The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has expressed deep concern over the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, which it describes as a grave assault on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
This comes after suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were reported to be in the United Kingdom for what is being termed a “capacity building”; programme.
However, CHRICED said the overseas retreat is widely seen as a diversionary tactic—a political spectacle that is deeply disconnected from the pressing issues in Rivers State.
CHRICED, in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, strongly condemned the actions of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Tinubu-appointed Military Administrator of Rivers State.
It said, “Ibas’s appointment of 23 local government administrators and the establishment of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) are unconstitutional.
“As an unelected figurehead in the state’s government, Ibas has no legal authority to make such appointments. His actions are a direct affront to the will of the people of Rivers State.”;
The organization also expressed concern over the Federal Government’s silence in the face of these actions, warning that such inaction sends a dangerous message that certain individuals are above the law and that democratic institutions can be manipulated without consequence.
“CHRICED calls for the immediate restoration of the democratically elected government in Rivers State, led by Governor Siminalaye Fubara.
“The people of Rivers State deserve peace, justice, and leadership that reflects their democratic will—not leadership imposed through unconstitutional means and foreign distractions. Nigeria must not allow this dangerous trend of democratic erosion to continue unchecked.”;
