Bode George slams Rivers Sole Administrator over illegal appointments

Bode George slams Rivers Sole Administrator over illegal appointments

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has criticised the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for disregarding court orders by making appointments and restructuring state boards.

George described these actions as unlawful and regrettable.

In a statement on Friday, George called on Ibas to uphold the Constitution and respect the rule of law. This follows reports that Ibas had appointed officials for the 23 local government areas and reconstituted state agency boards, despite a Federal High Court ruling in Port Harcourt by Justice Adamu Turaki Muhammed, which prohibited such actions.

Reacting, George stated, “I want to warn Admiral Ibas: if you act against the spirit of the Constitution, you will be held responsible. Your appointment is for just six months. Even if the President extends it, you will still leave one day, because nobody elected you. Your position as Sole Administrator is not legally recognised.”

He reaffirmed that Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected governor of Rivers State and questioned Ibas’ authority to take far-reaching political decisions.

“What happens to those appointments when you leave office on September 18? Why are you flouting a valid court order? Did you receive approval from the National Assembly to reconstitute the boards? Do you now wield both executive and legislative powers in Rivers State?” he queried.

George further warned, “You have no legal right to appoint anyone. This is not a military regime. The Constitution is still in force. Those using you now will throw you under the bus once you leave office.”

Appealing to Ibas’ legacy as a military veteran, George added, “You behaved honorably as a Naval officer. Don’t let unconstitutional actions stain your record. You did not drown in the Navy—don’t let politics drown you legally and politically. Now is the time to apply the brakes.”