Yemi Obafemi
Prominent environmental and human rights activist, Ann-Kio Briggs, has criticized the actions of Rivers State Administrator, Ibok Ete Ibas’ accusing him of worsening the political crisis instead of resolving it.
Ann-Kio Briggs stated this during an appearing as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.
She said: “First of all, I can assure you that he is pouring petrol on a fire Mr. President believes was on.” She added that the envoy was expected to help calm the situation, but has instead acted contrary to that mission.
According to Briggs, “He was told to come and pour water on that fire, to quench it. Well, he has done nothing of the sort. I have told you that he has removed people who were constitutionally and democratically in governance.”
She further alleged that the envoy had taken drastic actions, including the removal of officials and symbolic gestures aimed at undermining Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s authority. “Even in the government house, it is alleged that he has removed the pictures of Siminalayi Fubara,” she claimed.
The rights activist noted that while the President mentioned the state of emergency would last six months, he still has the power to change his decision and revert things to the way they were before the deadline.
Briggs concluded her remarks by reaffirming the legitimacy of the current state leadership, declaring, “I repeat, Siminalayi Fubara remains the governor of Rivers State.”
