A coalition of 35 civil society organizations (CSOs) in Rivers State has petitioned the House of Representatives, raising serious concerns over what they describe as a growing wave of impunity and disregard for constitutional rule under the leadership of Rivers Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.).
In a strongly-worded petition addressed to the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, the groups accused the administrator of repeatedly violating democratic norms and interfering with the functioning of key state institutions. The petition, titled “Severe and Brazen Acts of Lawlessness and Impunity Being Carried Out by the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas”, calls for urgent action to address what the coalition believes is a drift toward authoritarian rule in the state.
The coalition claims that since his appointment, Rivers Administrator Ibas has used federal influence and security agencies to intimidate political opponents, interfere with the legislative process, and restrict the operations of elected officials. They argue that these actions have not only deepened political tensions in the state but have also undermined public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
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“We are seeing a worrying pattern where democratic processes are being stifled, and opposition voices are being silenced,” the petition states. “Security agencies are being used to carry out illegal operations, including the continued occupation of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, which has paralyzed legislative activity.”
Among the key demands presented by the CSOs are:
- An immediate investigation into the actions of Vice Admiral Ibas to determine whether they comply with the Nigerian Constitution;
- The restoration of full independence to the Rivers State House of Assembly and other state institutions;
- The withdrawal of all unauthorized security personnel from government facilities to allow normal operations to resume.
The petition was signed by notable civil society leaders such as Comrade Enefaa Georgewill of Rivers State Civil Society Organizations (RIVCSO), Amb. Marvin Yobana of Citizens’ Quest for Truth Initiative, Comrade Loveday Enyinda of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), and over 30 others from different advocacy groups and community-based organizations.
Speaking to reporters, some of the signatories expressed frustration at what they called the “militarization” of civil governance in Rivers State. They noted that while Ibas once served in the Nigerian Navy, the administrative approach he now employs appears to reflect a command-and-control style more suited for military environments than democratic settings.
“We understand his background in the military, but this is a civil democracy,” said Comrade Georgewill. “Rivers Administrator Ibas must be reminded that governance in a democratic state must respect the rule of law, due process, and the separation of powers.”
The coalition emphasized that Rivers State is not a military base and that no individual—regardless of rank or political backing—should be allowed to run the state like a personal estate.
They warned that continued inaction by the National Assembly could encourage further disregard for constitutional boundaries and push the state into deeper crisis. “If this goes on unchecked, we fear a complete breakdown of democratic governance in Rivers,” they said.
Despite their concerns, the CSOs reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and constitutional advocacy. They said their petition to the House of Representatives is only the first step in a broader campaign to restore order and protect democratic rights in the state.
“We believe in democracy, and we believe in Nigeria,” the letter concludes. “But democracy cannot thrive where there is impunity, and that is exactly what we are witnessing under Rivers Administrator Ibas. The people of Rivers deserve better—and we will continue to speak up until true constitutional governance is restored.”d. “Rivers State must not become a testing ground for authoritarianism under the banner of federal oversight. We urge swift and decisive action to prevent further erosion of democracy.”Rivers CSOs Petition House of Reps Accuse Administrator Ibas of Impunity
