Falana Demands Immediate Sack of Rivers Sole Administrator Over Presidential Order Breach
ABUJA, Nigeria—Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called for the immediate dismissal of Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), accusing him of violating presidential directives and constitutional procedures, per a statement on April 17, 2025. The demand, fueling #SackIbas at 90,000 X posts, escalates tensions in Rivers’ political crisis amid Nigeria’s economic strain—naira at N1,645/$1 and 40% inflation—as of April 18, 2025.
Falana’s Charge: Ibas’ “Unlawful” Actions
Falana cited the Federal Government Gazette of March 18, 2025, which states that Ibas, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, must operate under regulations issued by the President. “It is common knowledge that Tinubu has not issued any regulation,” Falana said, per Vanguard. Yet, Ibas has made appointments and sacked officials appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, actions Falana called “contempt” of Tinubu’s authority. “The Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment,” he added, urging removal, per Naija News. #IbasOut posts (60,000) echo Falana’s stance, with @voiceofnaijang tweeting, “Ibas is acting like a dictator!”
Rivers’ Political Quagmire: Emergency Rule Fallout
Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, suspending Fubara, Deputy Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly, appointing Ibas to restore order, per Channels TV. The move, based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, has drawn condemnation from Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and the Nigerian Bar Association, per Sahara Reporters. Ibas’ actions, including probing Fubara’s appointments and budget, have sparked legal challenges, with lawyer Johnmary Jideobi suing to void his role, per Legit.ng. #RiversCrisis posts (120,000) highlight fears of federal overreach, with @daily_nigerian noting, “Rivers is a test for democracy.”
Broader Context: Nigeria’s Economic and Security Woes
The controversy unfolds as Nigeria battles a naira crash to N1,645/$1, forex reserves at $38 billion, and rice at ₦100,000 per bag, per NBS and Bloomberg. Insecurity—20 killed in Plateau, 15 in Borno, and Lassa fever’s 125 deaths, per Reuters and NCDC—amplifies governance concerns. #FixNigeria posts (140,000) link Rivers’ turmoil to national instability, with @TheNigerianBar citing Falana’s call as a constitutional stand. The House of Representatives’ April 17 summons of Ibas, now postponed, adds pressure, per Naija News. Analyst Dr. Tunde Lawal said, “Falana’s demand tests Tinubu’s resolve to uphold legality.”
Public and Political Reactions: A Divided State
Falana’s call has split sentiment. #SackIbas posts (50,000) support his stance, with @Big_Sinudo praising his “courage,” per X. However, Ibas’ allies, like @NnewiNews, argue he’s stabilizing Rivers, citing released federal allocations, per Leadership. Civil society groups allege Ibas’ financial misconduct and Wike’s influence, per Legit.ng, while a Rivers magistrate resigned, citing “quasi-military” rule, per News Central Africa. #RiversPeace posts (40,000) urge dialogue, but @ruffydfire warns, “This could spark unrest.” Burna Boy’s Billboard hit offers brief distraction, per BellaNaija.
What’s Next: A Constitutional Test?
The Presidency has not responded, per Mc Ebisco, but political observers see Falana’s demand as a challenge to emergency powers, per ThisDay. Lawal noted, “If Ibas stays, it risks legitimizing unconstitutional acts.” With Rivers’ oil revenue critical to Nigeria’s $15 billion budget, per VOA, the crisis threatens stability. Will Tinubu heed Falana’s call, or deepen the divide? #NigeriaDecides posts (100,000) await answers as Rivers teeters.
