A fresh wave of political tension has hit Rivers State as the spokesperson of the Coalition of Opposition Lawmakers, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, has slammed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), saying he has no power or authority to summon Governor Siminalayi Fubara, despite being suspended.
Ugochinyere described reports of Ibas allegedly inviting Governor Fubara as not just laughable, but completely baseless and insulting to democratic principles. According to him, Ibas—who was appointed as an interim administrator—is acting far outside his role, and dangerously attempting to provoke a crisis in Rivers.
“You lack the power to summon Governor Fubara. He is an elected governor with a constitutional mandate. Ibas has no legal standing or title known to law that gives him such authority. From now till 100 years, he cannot summon a sitting governor,” Ugochinyere said in a strongly worded statement.
He questioned the legitimacy of Ibas’ recent activities in the state, including the reported dissolution of the state’s electoral commission and plans to conduct local government elections with what the opposition called “impostors.”
“This is someone who came with claims of restoring peace in a state that was not at war. Now, he’s issuing statements like he runs a government. What government? Who elected him?” Ugochinyere asked.
The opposition warned that any local government election organized by Ibas without the statutory Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission would be illegal and rejected by the people and the government.
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They also said the moves were clearly aimed at pleasing the camp loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, calling it a desperate attempt to maintain control of Rivers through the backdoor.
“If you want to run for office, go and contest in your state. Don’t use Rivers as a political playground,” Ugochinyere added.
The Coalition called on Ibas to immediately stop what they described as reckless overreach, warning that continued interference in the affairs of the state could lead to unrest.
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