A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has accused the Rivers State Sole Adminstartor, Ibok-Ete Ibas of impunity in the running of affairs of the Rivers State government.
Consequently, the coalition has filed a petition with the House of Representatives calling for urgent intervention and calling Ibas to order.
In the petition, submitted to the House of Reps Committee on Public Petition on Thursday, the coalition said Ibas has gone beyond his briefs by taking over the administration of the 23 local governments in the state.
The CSOs described the development as unconstitutional and a threat to democratic governance at the grassroots level.
The petition, which was jointly signed by multiple groups making up the coalition, warned that it might be difficult to restrain the Administrator from committing greater impunity if he is not promptly checked.
Among the allegations raised against Ibas since he assumed duties as Administrator include his disregard for constitutional provisions and public accountability.
“This appointment and the activities of the sole administrator represent a clear violation of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the existence of democratically elected local government councils. It is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent if allowed to continue unchecked.”
The petitioners urged the House of Representatives to summon Ibas for questioning and to investigate the process leading to his appointment.
They also called for a directive compelling the Rivers State government to conduct elections at the local government level without delay.
Acknowledging receipt of the petition, the chairman of the Public Petitions committee of the House, Rep Mike Etaba, assured that the committee would institute a formal inquiry into the matter.
Etaba also assured that the committee will handle the matter in line with the dictates of the Nigerian constitution and in the best interest of the Nigerian people.
THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that the interactive session between Ibas and the 21-member ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives, set up to oversee the activities of the Administrator, was postponed indefinitely.
