- Warning: Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Olabode George, has cautioned Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, over recent appointments and reconstitution of boards, describing them as illegal and potentially regrettable.
- Court Order: A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had previously barred Ibas from appointing sole administrators for local councils, but he proceeded with the appointments despite the order.
- Lack of Authority: George questioned Ibas’ authority to make far-reaching political appointments, emphasizing that Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected governor of Rivers State.
- Constitutional Concerns: George emphasized the need for Ibas to respect the Constitution and the rule of law, warning that flouting the Constitution would have consequences.
Chief Bode George’s warning stems from Ibas’ decision to appoint officials to oversee the 23 local government areas and restructure state boards, despite a standing court order prohibiting such actions. George stressed that Ibas’ position as Sole Administrator is not legally recognized and that his appointment is temporary, set to end on September 18.
George warned that Ibas risks being abandoned by those currently backing him, stating that “those using you now will throw you under the bus once you leave office.” He also questioned the legitimacy of the appointments, asking what would happen to them when Ibas leaves office and whether he had received approval from the National Assembly to reconstitute the boards.
