Concerns Over Plan by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas to Announce Local Government Sole Administrators.

Concerns have surfaced regarding an alleged plan by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State appointed by President Bola Tinubu, to announce new Local Government Area (LGA) Administrators on Monday, March 24, 2025. This purported move has sparked alarm, as it appears to contravene both the Nigerian Constitution and a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the autonomy of LGAs. 

The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 7, explicitly mandates that local governments must be governed by democratically elected councils. This provision ensures that grassroots governance remains accountable to the people. Reinforcing this, a recent Supreme Court ruling explicitly affirmed LGA autonomy, declaring that local governments must be led by elected officials, not appointed administrators. Any attempt by Vice Admiral Ibas to appoint LGA administrators would directly violate this constitutional requirement and disregard the judiciary’s authority, constituting a serious breach of the rule of law.

As of today, March 23, 2025, reports of this plan remain unconfirmed. The user query states that “sources indicate” a list of supposed administrators has been compiled, suggesting an orchestrated effort to bypass democratic processes. However, no official statement from Vice Admiral Ibas, the Rivers State government, or the Presidency has substantiated these claims. Given the lack of verification, it is critical to treat this as an allegation rather than fact until evidence emerges. That said, the mere circulation of such reports has heightened tensions, reflecting the public’s deep concern over potential executive overreach.

Rivers State is currently under a state of emergency, declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, due to escalating political tensions and a breakdown of law and order. Vice Admiral Ibas, a retired naval officer and former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed as Sole Administrator to restore stability. His mandate is clear: maintain order. However, appointing LGA administrators—if true—would exceed this mandate, undermining the democratic structures he is tasked to protect. The state has been embroiled in a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, and this alleged move could be perceived as an attempt to consolidate control, further destabilizing the region.

The alleged plan to appoint LGA administrators in Rivers State on March 24, 2025, raises serious questions about adherence to the Nigerian Constitution and the Supreme Court’s affirmation of LGA autonomy. While unconfirmed as of March 23, 2025, the possibility of such a move threatens the democratic fabric of Rivers State and Nigeria at large. The next 24 hours will reveal whether this remains a rumor or becomes a flashpoint in the struggle between democracy and executive overreach. For now, the lack of official confirmation calls for caution, but the stakes demand close monitoring to ensure that the rule of law prevails over impunity. The outcome hinges on whether democratic institutions and the public can uphold the rule of law against potential impunity. Nigerians—citizens, political leaders, and civil society—must remain vigilant, ready to defend constitutional governance through legal and civic means.