The Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum
(PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Igali, has condemned what he described as the
systematic destruction of democratic institutions in Rivers State, following
the imposition of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18,
2025.
In an open letter dated April 3 and addressed to Vice
Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of the state, Igali
voiced deep unease over the erosion of constitutional governance and what he
called an “embarrassing aberration” of democratic norms under the current
administration.
Emergency Rule Sparks Outrage
The declaration of emergency rule in Rivers came on the heels of prolonged
political instability and power tussles involving former Governor Siminalayi
Fubara, whose administration had drawn criticism over several controversial
actions, including the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex in
late 2023.
While President Tinubu defended the emergency as a
last resort to “restore order,” PANDEF and several Niger Delta stakeholders
have interpreted it as a reversal of progress in democratic governance.
“I still cannot come to terms that a state of
emergency was declared in Rivers State just one week after our most revered
leaders had audience with Mr. President to explore peaceful resolution,” Igali
lamented.
‘Systematic Tearing Down’ of Institutions
In his strongly worded letter, Igali accused Ibas of presiding over the
dismantling of key state institutions, including the Rivers State Independent
Electoral Commission, governing councils of tertiary institutions, and even the
Traditional Rulers Council.
One of the more symbolic moves, he noted, was the
removal of Governor Fubara’s official portraits from public offices, despite
the Supreme Court’s judgment that Fubara’s suspension did not amount to a
formal removal from office.
“Your presence in Rivers State is an embarrassing
aberration to all men of goodwill and good conscience,” Igali declared.
He recounted personally witnessing the absence of the
governor’s photographs at the Port Harcourt International Airport, adding that
the same had occurred in other government offices “at the behest of your
administration.”
Fubara’s Role in the Crisis
Igali also acknowledged that the roots of the crisis extended beyond the Tinubu
administration’s emergency rule. He criticized decisions made under Fubara’s
leadership, especially the razing of the State Assembly building without a plan
for reconstruction.
The Supreme Court, in its February 28 ruling, had
censured Fubara’s administration for breaching constitutional order by
undermining the legislative arm, emphasizing that “a government cannot be said
to exist without one of the three arms that make up government.”
A Plea for Restraint and Reconciliation
Despite the strong tone of his letter, Igali extended a note of appeal to Vice
Admiral Ibas, urging him to act as a “dispassionate instrument of peace” rather
than an agent of division.
“I take the liberty to caution that in this complex
national assignment, you must be timorous enough not to find yourself taking
decisions that pale in the sight of best and acceptable standards of decency,”
he advised.
He further called on the sole administrator to work
with remaining appointees of the suspended administration to begin rebuilding
trust and democratic order in the state.
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