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By Chinelo Obogo
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has urged the Rivers State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to halt the appointments of Local Government Administrators and reconstitution of state boards.
The rebuke follows a Federal High Court order by Justice Adamu Muhammed, barring Ibas from appointing sole administrators to oversee the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. Despite the ruling, Ibas proceeded to appoint administrators and reconstitute boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, sparking accusations of executive overreach.
Justice Muhammed’s ruling explicitly prohibited Ibas from making appointments. However, the retired Naval officer’s defiance has attracted criticism from PDP stalwarts and legal experts.
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In a statement, George accused Ibas of operating outside democratic norms, saying, “Your appointment as Administrator is a misnomer. You were not elected by the people of Rivers State. Why are you flouting a court order and appointing administrators when Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains constitutionally in office?”
George, a former military officer said the Administrator’s role will expire on September 18, 2024 and that those ‘using ‘Ibas would abandon him after the tenure ends.
“This is not a military regime. The constitution remains intact. Those pushing you now will throw you under the bus. If you drown legally or politically, they will disown you. Apply the brake now. Did the National Assembly approve these appointments? Do you now wield executive and legislative powers in Rivers State?” he queried.
