A coalition of 35 civil society organizations in Rivers State has cried out over what they describe as a dangerous slide into authoritarian rule in the state.
But instead of the usual political tug-of-war between parties, this time it’s voices from the people — community leaders, activists, youth groups, and civil rights advocates — calling for help.
The coalition, in a bold petition to the House of Representatives, accused the state’s appointed administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), of turning the state into a place where fear, intimidation, and disregard for the law now rule.
“We feel like we are living in a military barracks, not a democratic state,” the petition stated.
The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, expressed deep concern about what they called “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity” under the leadership of the retired naval officer.
According to the petitioners, Admiral Ibas has allegedly used federal power and armed security operatives to silence public officers and cripple democratic institutions — especially the state legislature.
“The actions of the administrator are unconstitutional and dangerous. They are shaking the very foundation of democracy in Rivers State,” the coalition warned.
What makes this different is that the alarm is not being raised by political parties, but by civil society voices — people who are often neutral but deeply involved in defending rights and democracy. These are the same organizations that campaign for free elections, fight corruption, and support peaceful governance.
The signatories include respected names such as Comrade Enefaa Georgewill of the Rivers State Civil Society Organizations (RIVCSO), Amb. Marvin Yobana of the Citizens’ Quest for Truth Initiative, Comrade Loveday Enyinda of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Pastor Mike Daka of the Foundation for Leadership and Youth Initiative, and Comrade Nwilene John of the Niger Delta Youth for Peace and Development, along with representatives of 30 other organizations.
They are asking the National Assembly to immediately investigate the legality of Admiral Ibas’s actions, restore full independence to the Rivers State House of Assembly, and order security agencies to vacate the Assembly Complex.
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In clear terms, the coalition said the people of Rivers State are tired of fear and political chaos.
“This is a democracy. Rivers people deserve peace, order, and working institutions — not autocracy dressed in federal camouflage,” they said.
They also warned that if the situation is not handled quickly, it could lead to public unrest and weaken trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
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