Rivers State: Lawyers Condemn Ibas' Appointment Of Sole Administrators, See Details
Senior lawyers in Nigeria have condemned the appointment of Sole Administrators to manage Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State, citing contempt of court. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, made the appointments despite a court injunction barring him from doing so.
Mr. Mohammed Abeny, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), described Ibas' action as "illegal" and "contemptuous." Abeny argued that Ibas' appointment was unlawful and that his decision to appoint administrators despite a court order was a "punishable offense."
The Supreme Court had previously ruled that the appointment of unelected officials to govern LGAs was unconstitutional. The court granted financial autonomy to the 774 LGAs in the country, warning against the use of unelected officials. Mr. Benjamin Umukoro, a human rights lawyer, noted that President Bola Tinubu's administration had filed the case at the apex court but seemed to be ignoring the ruling.
Umukoro expressed surprise that President Tinubu's administration released withheld allocations to Ibas despite the court order. He called for Ibas to face contempt charges, stating that the recent development was "an affront on the authority of the court." Another lawyer, Emeribe Ugonna, emphasized that no one is above the law and that Ibas should be committed to prison if found guilty of flouting a court order.
The appointment of Sole Administrators has sparked controversy in Rivers State, with many questioning the legality of the move. The development has also raised concerns about the potential consequences for the state's governance and the rule of law.
The crisis in Rivers State highlights the need for adherence to the rule of law and respect for court orders. The reactions from lawyers and the public underscore the importance of accountability and transparency in governance. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the controversy and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
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