By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body has raised concern about the pattern of governance of Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
PANDEF National Chairman, Amb. Godknows B. Igali, made this known in an open letter to the Speaker,
House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
PANDEF welcomed the inauguration of the Adhoc Committee to provide oversight on the current State of Emergency in Rivers State and urged the members to provide effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate, reverse some of the measures he has undertaken since assuming office.
According to the Group “The decision to offer impartial and dispassionate oversight in Rivers State has, as you may have observed, been resoundingly applauded by patriotic Nigerians across the country.
He said “PANDEF has consistently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which we believe does not align with the constitutional criteria for such a measure. Despite political disagreements by individuals, peace has been maintained in the state—unlike in several other parts of the country where security and human lives are under constant threat. Indeed, so to say, not even a fly has been harmed in Rivers State, and economic activities remain intact.
“That said, we must reiterate our firm position that the appointment of the Administrator is not only a constitutional aberration but also a serious dent on Nigeria’s democratic image and its standing within the international community.
“In light of the above, we hold the expectation that members of the newly inaugurated Adhoc Committee will seize the opportunity to etch their names in gold by providing effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate, reversing some of the unlawful measures he has undertaken since assuming office.
“A case in point is the arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions, followed by rather whimsical and capricious reconstitution of same.
“The Administrator’s pattern of governance has included the appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Councils, heads of government agencies, and more recently, ministries due process and democratic norms.
“It would not be surprising, therefore, if he proceeds in due course to appoint Permanent Secretaries of his own choosing. Similarly, his decision to cancel or suspend all ongoing procurement processes, ostensibly to implement his own preferred projects and priorities, raises serious concerns about governance integrity and fiscal transparency.
He also suggested that the Adhoc Committee be encouraged, as part of its oversight responsibilities, to actively facilitate a political resolution in Rivers State.
“This task should be pursued with urgency, diligence, and an unwavering sense of neutrality. As the nerve centre of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and a region of immense geopolitical significance, Rivers State remains vital to the nation’s economic stability and the continued maturation of our democratic process.
“The restoration of democracy in the state, most importantly through the reinstatement of its duly elected governor, is a mission of national importance – one that must be accomplished without delay.”
