35 Civil Society Groups Petition House Of Reps Over Rivers Administrator’s Actions

A coalition of 35 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Rivers State has petitioned the House of Representatives, denouncing what they described as “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity” by the state’s administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.).

In a letter titled “Severe and Brazen Acts of Lawlessness and Impunity Being Carried Out by the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, and the Need to Nip Them in the Bud in the Interest of Mutual Peace and Constitutionalism,” the coalition called on the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight to urgently intervene to halt what they see as a dangerous drift towards authoritarianism.

Naijaonpoint reports that the coalition, comprising several prominent civil society leaders, accuses Ibas of undermining constitutional governance by utilising federal power and security forces to intimidate public officials, suppress democratic institutions, and interfere with the proper functioning of the state government.

“The conduct of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is not only reckless and unconstitutional but also a slap in the face of democratic values. His actions have continued to aggravate political instability and institutional breakdown in Rivers State,” the groups stated in the letter.

In their petition, the CSOs demanded immediate action from the National Assembly to address the situation.

They called for:

• An investigation into the legality of Ibas’ actions: They urged the National Assembly to call Vice Admiral Ibas to order and thoroughly examine the legality of his conduct.
• Restoration of democratic institutions: The coalition demanded that democratic institutions, particularly the Rivers State legislature, be allowed to function freely.
• Cessation of illegal occupation: The CSOs insisted that security agencies stop the illegal occupation of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

The coalition warned that if Ibas’ actions are not addressed, they could lead to public unrest and erode the trust Nigerians have in the democratic system.

Among the prominent civil society leaders who signed the petition were:

• Comrade Enefaa Georgewill – Rivers State Civil Society Organizations (RIVCSO)
• Amb. Marvin Yobana – Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative
• Comrade Loveday Enyinda – MOSOP, Rivers State Chapter
• Pastor Mike Daka – Foundation for Leadership and Youth Initiative
• Comrade Nwilene John – Niger Delta Youth for Peace and Development

Along with representatives from 30 other organizations, they emphasised the importance of upholding democratic principles in Rivers State.

In their statement, the CSOs reminded the government that Rivers State is not a military cantonment. They stressed that “no one man, however connected, should be allowed to operate outside the constitution.”

“This is a democracy. Rivers people deserve peace, order, and functional institutions — not autocracy dressed in federal camouflage,” the letter stated.

The coalition has vowed to continue advocating for constitutional governance and warned that if no action is taken, they will escalate their efforts through further legal and civic actions.