PORT HARCOURT — The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), on Tuesday inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) and swore in members of key state boards, drawing sharp criticism from legal experts and civil society groups.
Also inaugurated at the Government House, Port Harcourt, were members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission (RSCSC), Rivers State Local Government Service Commission (RSLGSC), and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB).
In a statement issued by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers State Government, Ibas urged the appointees to uphold discipline, competence, and integrity in their roles. He said their service would be vital in stabilising governance, restoring democratic institutions, and promoting good governance in the state.
Speaking specifically to the RISIEC board, Ibas highlighted their responsibility in conducting credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people.
However, the inauguration has sparked backlash, particularly from legal circles.
A public interest advocate and lawyer, Mr. Courage Nsirimovu, challenged the legality of Ibas’s actions, insisting that the Sole Administrator lacks constitutional authority to constitute boards and commissions.
“Ibas does not have the constitutional powers to constitute the RISIEC board or any other commission. Only a democratically elected governor, working through the State Assembly, can make such appointments,” Nsirimovu stated.
He warned that Ibas’s actions could trigger a new wave of litigations and reignite political tensions in the state, which has been under close national watch since the imposition of a state of emergency.
Nsirimovu cited Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which, according to him, outlines clear provisions for the establishment and administration of local government structures.
He also criticised what he described as the “docility” of Rivers residents in the face of what he called constitutional violations, urging civil society and citizens to speak out.
“We are already in court challenging the declaration of a state of emergency and the powers being exercised by Ibas. His latest actions only further undermine constitutional governance,” he added.
The inauguration comes amid ongoing political turbulence in Rivers State, with key institutions under scrutiny following the federal government’s emergency intervention.
