Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, calling it an illegal act. Atiku expressed concern about the implications of an illegal sole administrator conducting local government elections in the state, warning that it could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku’s statement comes in response to criticisms of the planned local government elections in Rivers State by elder statesman Atedo Peterside, who had earlier cautioned the Nigerian government about undermining the country’s democratic principles. Peterside had warned that allowing such an election under the current circumstances would trivialize Nigeria’s democracy.
In his reaction, Atiku took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval, writing: “It is in one’s interest to help put out the fire in your neighbour’s house to safeguard against your house being torched.”
He continued, “I agree that what is playing out in Rivers State, with an illegal sole administrator, unknown to our constitution, conducting council elections, has implications for the rest of the country.”
Atiku also joined the voices of other concerned Nigerians, stating, “I join other men and women of goodwill to condemn this absurdity unequivocally,” reinforcing his call for the government to respect constitutional norms and uphold democratic integrity.
