The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has strongly criticised the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, over his recent decision to suspend statutory commissions and boards in the state, calling for an immediate reversal of the move.
In a statement yesterday, the IYC’s secretary-general, Maobuoye Nangi Obu, accused the administrator of undermining democracy and imposing authoritarian rule.
He urged the people of Rivers State to resist what he described as a “blatant abuse of power.”
“The state belongs to the people, not to a cabal of political opportunists seeking to milk it dry,” Obu said.
“Democracy must be restored, and Rivers people must not be silenced.”
The IYC warned that the suspension of key government institutions posed serious security risks and could destabilise the state.
Obu accused the administrator of sidelining legitimate government officials to consolidate power, alleging that the move was aimed at facilitating the looting of the state’s treasury.
“This action has grave security implications. By creating disaffection and sidelining legitimate government officials, the administrator is fuelling political instability and pushing Rivers State towards crisis,” he said.
The group further alleged that the administrator was acting on behalf of former Governor Nyesom Wike, whom it accused of attempting to maintain control over the state’s affairs.
It condemned the suspension of top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, commissioners, board members, and special advisers, warning that such measures had crippled democratic governance in Rivers State.
“This reckless move, executed under the guise of presidential authority, is a desperate attempt to remove all possible checks and balances to facilitate the looting of Rivers State’s resources,” the statement read.
The IYC reiterated its demand for an immediate reversal of the suspensions and a return to democratic governance, warning that Rivers State must not be turned into the “personal estate of a single individual and his cronies.”
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