|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Lawyers Challenge Legality of Emergency Rule in Rivers State
–Demand Tinubu Disclose Legal Basis for Ibas’ Appointment Powers Within 7 Days
A group of Nigerian legislative lawyers under the aegis of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu, demanding disclosure of the legal provisions that empower Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) to appoint sole administrators across the 23 local government councils in Rivers State.
This comes one month after Tinubu, in a national broadcast on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly over a lingering political crisis.
In justifying the emergency declaration, the President accused Fubara of demolishing the Assembly complex, citing the act as a threat to governance and stability.
However, controversy deepened after Ibas, appointed as Sole Administrator, defied a court order and proceeded to install sole administrators at the local government level—prompting legal pushback from ALDRAP.
In a strongly worded letter dated April 17, 2025, signed by ALDRAP Secretary, Dr. Tonye Clinton Jaja, the group invoked the Freedom of Information Act (2011) to demand a copy of any regulation issued by President Tinubu under Section 3 of the Emergency Proclamation that legally empowers Ibas to make such sweeping appointments.
“We request confirmation of any Regulations enacted by His Excellency Mr. President that empower the sole administrator of Rivers State to appoint sole administrators of the twenty-three (23) local government councils,” the letter stated.
The lawyers emphasized that without such a regulation, Ibas’ appointments lack legal footing and constitute an abuse of executive power. The association vowed to take legal action if no response is received within seven days.
ALDRAP also announced a boycott of all courts and institutions within Rivers LGAs by its members as a protest against the controversial appointments.
“Take notice that in the event that we do not receive a formal response within seven days, we shall take legal steps to assert our rights,” the letter warned.
The protest letter was copied to several key government figures, including Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Oversight of Rivers State; Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Secretary to the Government of Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika.
The development marks a new chapter in the unfolding emergency rule saga, as legal practitioners demand transparency, adherence to constitutional provisions, and respect for judicial authority.
