Yemi Obafemi
The Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), a pro-democracy group, has strongly condemned the dissolution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) and the state university governing council, describing the action as unconstitutional and a dangerous abuse of power.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), suspended all political office holders appointed by the embattled governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Ibas stated that the decision was made in accordance with the powers granted to him by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by its executive director, Dr. Ahmed Abdullahi, the group criticized the decision, warning that it posed a serious threat to democracy in Rivers State and beyond.
“The dissolution of RSIEC and the university governing council is not just an overreach of power—it is an outright violation of the constitution,” he stated. “These institutions are isolated from politics for a reason: to protect democracy and ensure academic and electoral integrity. What the administrator is doing is nothing short of executive lawlessness.”
The CCG accused the state’s sole administrator of orchestrating a “blatant power grab” by removing critical governance structures and tampering with statutory institutions.
“By removing an entire governance structure overnight and now tampering with statutory institutions, the sole administrator is attempting to freeze democracy in Rivers State. If unchecked, this could set a dangerous precedent for the country,” Abdullahi warned.
The group further compared the administrator’s actions to those of military regimes, arguing that Rivers people were witnessing an attack on democracy.
“The Rivers people are watching in shock as one man dismantles their institutions with the stroke of a pen,” he said. “This is a painful reminder of the military era when decrees and edicts replaced democratic processes. The administrator’s actions are a direct insult to the sacrifices of our heroes who laboured hard for our democracy.”
CCG called on both the National Assembly and the judiciary to intervene and prevent what it described as “dictatorship in disguise.”
“The National Assembly must not remain silent while Rivers State is turned into a political experiment. The courts must act to stop this dangerous overreach. The people of Rivers deserve governance, not dictatorship in disguise,” Abdullahi added.
The group also warned of potential long-term consequences if the administrator’s actions were not reversed.
“The administrator is not just overstepping his mandate—he is provoking the peace of the land. His actions threaten the very foundation of democracy, and if not stopped, could have lasting consequences for the entire nation,” Abdullahi cautioned.
