Tag: Rivers

(Rivers State capital, Port Harcourt city)

Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the Speaker have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers who defected on Friday, included the Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule

More details coming!

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has declared that the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu has been achieved “sufficiently” following the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots level in the state.

He made this known on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the presentation of the report of the recently concluded local government elections to the State Administrator by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

According to Ibas, the peaceful conduct of the polls and the subsequent swearing-in of democratically elected Chairmen and Councillors across all 23 Local Government Areas, mark the direct fulfillment of the presidential directive issued to him on March 18, 2025.

“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilize the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance.

“With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given,” he said.

He also commended RSIEC for organising what he described as a fair, credible, and transparent electoral process, which has been widely praised within and beyond the state.

“For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and to select whom they wanted as their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered,” Ibas said.

The Administrator also assured that his administration would meticulously review the RSIEC report and issue an official government white paper in due course.

He extended his profound appreciation to his team, security agencies, and state officials for their collaborative effort and synergy, adding, “This is what it takes to build nations.”

Earlier, while presenting the report, the Chairman of RSIEC, Dr Mike Odey, described the election as a “historic achievement” for the state and the country.

He revealed that the document provides a full account of the entire process, from the initial notice of election to stakeholder engagements, polling, collation of results, and the final announcement of winners.

“The report highlights our modest achievements, our challenges, and provides key recommendations that will strengthen future elections in Rivers State,” Odey said.

He said that the Commission operated in accordance with the RSIEC Law of 2018 (as amended) and credited the election’s success to robust collaboration with political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies.

He also expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the Administrator for providing “adequate and sufficient” funding, which enabled an unprecedented feat in Nigerian electoral management.

He said, “In the history of election management in Nigeria, be it national or sub-national, no institution has ever organized, coordinated, conducted, and supervised a complete electoral process within a period of 30 days. With all modesty, I have no regrets in stating this fact for the record.”

Odey commended the people of Rivers State for their peaceful participation and cooperation throughout the exercise and prayed for the continued progress and prosperity of the state.

By Sylvester Udemezue

FLOWERBUDNEWS:      MEMORY VERSE:*
_”Be you ever so high, the law is above you.”_
~Hon Justice Chukwudifu Oputa

*BACKGROUND:*

In an interview, published by the Punch Newspapers on 20 May 2025, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, emphasized his commitment to laying a solid foundation for good governance in the state.

Appointed following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid a declared state of emergency, Ibas outlined his administration’s focus on restoring order, ensuring accountability, and implementing reforms aimed at long-term stability and development.

He acknowledged the challenges inherent in his role but expressed determination to prioritize institutional integrity and public trust over short-term political gains. Ibas called for patience and cooperation from the citizens, assuring them that his administration’s efforts are geared toward creating a more transparent and effective governance structure in Rivers State.

*MY COMMENT:*

1. *Mother of All Ironies:* With the greatest respect, it is both troubling and ironic that Mr. Ibas, whose emergence as the so-called “Sole Administrator” of Rivers State stems from the unconstitutional suspension of a democratically elected governor, would now purport to be laying the foundation for “good governance.”

This assertion, though politically convenient, is fundamentally flawed in both logic and law. One cannot purport to build good governance upon a foundation that is itself built on illegality, unconstitutionality, and usurpation. Governance without legitimacy is not just defective; it is a complete contradiction in terms.

2. *The Rule of Law Is The Only True Foundation of Good Governance:* Globally and constitutionally, the rule of law is universally acknowledged as the foundation of good governance. It is the condition that enables justice, fairness, transparency, and accountability in public administration. Without it, what we have is not governance, but a charade; a power grab masquerading as public service. As A.V. Dicey famously stated, the rule of law entails: (i) Supremacy of the law over arbitrary power; (ii). Equality of all persons before the law; (iii). Government authority derived from established legal frameworks. These principles are entrenched in Section 1(1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria: “This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

3. *Good Governance Does Not Emerge from Unconstitutionality and Illegality:* Dear Mr. Ibas, good governance is not rhetoric. It is not found in press releases or hastily convened briefings and interviews. It is earned through legitimacy, constitutional compliance, and popular consent. Any claim to leadership that originates outside these boundaries is inherently void of moral and legal authority. The Supreme Court in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, reminded us thus: “The Nigerian Constitution is founded on the rule of law… the rule of law presupposes that the State is subject to the law.” Similarly, in Fawehinmi v. Inspector-General of Police (2002) 7 NWLR (Pt. 767) 606, the court emphasized that “In a democracy, power is derived from the people and must be exercised in accordance with the law.” This is reaffirmed by Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution which provides: “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government derives all its powers and authority.” Where then is your legitimacy, sir?

4. *The Danger of Building on the Rubble of Lawlessness:* You cannot break the law in the morning and claim to rebuild society in the afternoon. Power obtained outside the framework of the Constitution is not power; it is plunder in borrowed robes. True leadership begins with the lawful process. Anything else is a betrayal of democratic values and a dangerous precedent. This is why the call by several legal scholars, including in “Prelude To ‘Road To a State of Emergency in Rivers State…’” by Sylvester Udemezue (TheNigeriaLawyer, 2 April 2025), must be taken seriously. We are witnessing an erosion of constitutional order, and history will not look kindly on those who facilitated it under the guise of reform.

5. Good Governance Requires Legal and Institutional Order: Good governance is rooted in: (i) Accountability; (ii). Transparency; (iii). Participation; (iv). Equity and inclusiveness; (v). The Rule of law, among others. I discussed the elements of good governance in a scholarly paper: see: Sylvester C. Udemezue, “Role of Company Employees in Promoting Corporate Governance: A Comparative Analysis of the Approaches in Nigeria and the United Kingdom” (2020) 3(1), Redeemer’s University Law Journal (RUNLJ) 191-210. ISSN: 2636-6462. (Online links: <https://ssrn.com/abstract=3907553> or <http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3907553>). These essentials of good governance cannot be faked or manufactured. Truth is, when the rule of law is absent, (i) public officials become unaccountable;(ii) citizens’ rights are trampled; (iii). corruption thrives; (iv). institutions crumble. On the other hand, where the rule of law is upheld, (i). power is exercised responsibly; (ii). elections are meaningful; (iii). reforms are credible; (iv). development is sustainable. As Kofi Annan rightly said, “The rule of law is not a slogan but a basic condition for democratic governance.” And as Justice Chukwudifu Oputa famously warned: “Be you ever so high, the law is above you.”

In conclusion, it’s respectfully submitted that in the absence of legitimacy, governance doesn’t exist. Thus, until we restore fidelity to constitutional principles and uphold the sovereignty of the people expressed through elections, all talk of laying foundations for good governance in Rivers State remains hollow, self-serving, and a direct affront to the Nigerian Constitution. The starting point of any legitimate governance is legality. Anything short of this is a usurpation, not administration.
Respectfully,
Sylvester Udemezue (Udems),
Proctor, The Reality Ministry of Truth, Law and Justice (TRM).
TheRealityMinister@gmail.com.
(20 May 2025)

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has reaffirmed that the security of lives and property remained the top priority of his administration.

He made this known during a town hall meeting held at the Omuma Local Government Council Headquarters in Eberi.

Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, the Sole Administrator said that the meeting was crucial for understanding the welfare and security challenges faced in the area and for the development of actionable solutions.

The administrator, who restated that security was everyone’s business, urged the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA, Mr. Manager Nwala, to hold regular town hall meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, political leaders, women, and youth groups to ensure lasting peace in the area.

He also urged stakeholders to protect government facilities and report suspicious activities promptly.

He also charged the LGA leadership to identify non-functional but impactful projects for government intervention.

Also, the Sole Administrator of Omuma LGA said that pressing issues affecting the area included grabbing and politically motivated arrests of Omuma indigenes.

He also listed oil bunkering activities, allegedly aided by intruders from Abia Stat,e as well as alleged misconduct by a serving DPO in the area, also accused of collaborating with criminals in illegal oil theft,t as some of the challenges faced in the council area.

Nwala called for the establishment of additional police posts to enhance security and immediate redeployment of the implicated DPO to curb oil theft.

He also called for Boundary Resolution & Resource Equity in the area.

Similarly, His Royal Highness, Eze Monday I. Ojiegbe, speaking on behalf of the Omuma Council of Chiefs, commended the state government’s efforts in restoring peace.

According to the traditional ruler, Omuma, an oil-producing LGA, is excluded from oil derivation benefits.

He alleged that some oil wells had been wrongly allotted to Abia State, necessitating urgent boundary resolution to prevent future crises.
Representatives from the National Youth Council (Omuma Chapter), women groups, and NYSC members highlighted also raised
the need for youth employment and skills acquisition programmes.

They also called for improved healthcare services at the Omuma General Hospital.

In his response to the concerns raised by stakeholders in the area, CP Adepoju, who represented Vice Adm. Ibas (rtd), assured that the allegations against the DPO would be investigated, and appropriate action taken.

He said that the Rivers State Government would review boundary disputes with Abia State to ensure fair resource allocation.
He said that more security deployments would be made to Omuma to tackle oil bunkering and land grabbing.

He said that the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, including healthcare and education facilities, will be prioritised.

The Sole Administrator’s visit underscored the government’s dedication to peace, security, and equitable development in Omuma LGA.

Stakeholders were urged to remain vigilant, support security agencies, and engage constructively with government initiatives.

Flowerbudnews

Mr Marshall Stanley-Uwom, the former Deputy Speaker, Rivers House of Assembly, has prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja, to order the removal of the state Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

Stanley-Uwom, in a suit filed by his lawyer, Mr Sylvester Evbuomwan, also prayed the court to stop the Federal Government from releasing allocations accruable to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state through Ibas.

He urged the court to declare that by virtue of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as well as the judgement of the Supreme Court, Ibas cannot legally appoint unelected officials as caretakers to run the affairs of the LGAs in the state.

The plaintiff, in the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/797/2025 dated and filed April 24, named the President; the National Assembly; the Senate; Senate President; House of Representatives; and Speaker of the House of Representatives as 1st to 6th defendants.

Also listed in the suit are Ibas, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Accountant General of the Federation and the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) as 7th to 10th defendants respectively.

Stanley-Uwom sought “an order compelling the 7th defendant (Ibas) to immediately vacate the office of Sole administrator of Rivers State and allow the democratically elected Governor of Rivers State to resume his office,’ among others.

The plaintiff, who told the court that he is a Prince of the Agba Royal Family of Abua, and the AdibaalAbuan 1 of Abua, in Abua-Odual LGA of Rivers State, posed four legal questions for the court.

In a 16-paragraphed affidavit he personally deposed to in support of the legal action, the plaintiff told the court that he had held several positions in Rivers State since 2004, including serving as the deputy speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2019.

“That I am a major stakeholder in Rivers State, as a politician, a traditional royal prince and amongst other, an elder statesman in Rivers State.

“That during the 2023 general elections Governor Siminalayi Fubara was elected Governor of Rivers State.”

He averred that while relying on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the 1st defendant declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and also suspended Fubara as governor.

“That in line with Section 305 (6) (b) of the Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the 1st defendant requested the resolution of the 2nd defendant supported by two-thirds majority of all the members of the 3rd and 5th defendants approving the proclamation of state of emergency in Rivers State as declared by the 1st defendant.”

Stanley-Uwom said the senate and the president of the senate, at a plenary sessions of March 20, approved the request to proclaim a state of emergency in Rivers.

He averred that the senate president and House of Representatives speaker only proclaimed that they had secured resolution of the senate and the house at their plenary sessions through voice votes.

“That upon taking over the affairs of the government of Rivers State, the 7th defendant sacked all the officers in charge of the affairs of the Local Government of Rivers State and appointed a new set of Local Government Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the LGA’s in Rivers State.

“That the 7th defendant also removed from office the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and appoint a new Chairman and members for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

“That the 8th, 9th and 10th defendants have been releasing allocations accruable to the LGAs of Rivers State to the appointed caretaker committees appointed by the 7th defendant and also releasing to the 7th defendant all allocations accrued to Rivers State.

“That the 7th defendant is utilising the fund of Rivers state without parliament appropriations.
“That it shall be in the interest of justice to grant all the reliefs in the originating summons,” he averred.
The matter is yet to be assigned to a judge.