Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has cautioned the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), against making appointments and restructuring state boards in defiance of existing court orders, describing such actions as illegal and potentially regrettable.
In a statement released on Friday, George urged Ibas to respect the Constitution and adhere to the rule of law, following reports that he had appointed officials to oversee the 23 local government areas and reconstituted boards of state agencies despite a court order barring such actions.
Justice Adamu Turaki Muhammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had earlier issued a ruling prohibiting Ibas from making such appointments.
Reacting, George stated, “I want to warn Admiral Ibas: if you act against the spirit of the Constitution, you will be held responsible. Your appointment is for just six months. Even if the President extends it, you will still leave one day, because nobody elected you. Your position as Sole Administrator is not legally recognized.”
He reaffirmed that Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected governor of Rivers State and questioned Ibas’ authority to take far-reaching political decisions.
“What happens to those appointments when you leave office on September 18? Why are you flouting a valid court order? Did you receive approval from the National Assembly to reconstitute the boards? Do you now wield both executive and legislative powers in Rivers State?” he queried.
George further warned, “You have no legal right to appoint anyone. This is not a military regime. The Constitution is still in force. Those using you now will throw you under the bus once you leave office.”
Appealing to Ibas’ legacy as a military veteran, George added, “You behaved honorably as a Naval officer. Don’t let unconstitutional actions stain your record. You did not drown in the Navy—don’t let politics drown you legally and politically. Now is the time to apply the brakes.”
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