A pro-democracy organisation has condemned the recent appointment of administrators for the 23 local government areas in Rivers State, warning that the move poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

Citizens for Democratic Watch (CDW) described the action by Ibok-Ete Ibas, the state’s sole administrator, as “a dangerous abuse of power and a direct attack on the constitution”. The appointments were announced just a day after a federal high court issued an order restraining Ibas from making such decisions.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, CDW’s Executive Director, Dr Hassan Dantani, called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene before the situation escalates further.

“Appointing 23 sole administrators in clear defiance of a federal court order is not only unlawful — it is tyrannical,” Dantani stated. “No state of emergency gives anyone the licence to override the judiciary, erase local governance, and act above the law. This must be condemned in the strongest terms.”

He stressed that the local government system is recognised by the 1999 Constitution as a legitimate tier of government, and warned that bypassing democratic processes sets a troubling precedent.

“This action by Ibok-Ete Ibas is a grave violation of Section 7 of the Constitution, which guarantees the system of democratically elected local government councils,” Dantani said. “Our democracy cannot function if unelected individuals are imposed to run local governments under military-style appointments.”

CDW warned that if the appointments are allowed to stand, it could embolden other political actors to disregard legal processes and further undermine the judiciary.

“The blatant disregard for a valid court order should alarm every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation,” Dantani said. “When leaders ignore court rulings and impose their will, what remains of the rule of law? If we allow this to stand in Rivers, it could happen anywhere else.”

The group urged the National Assembly to summon the sole administrator for Rivers to account for his actions and ensure that constitutional principles are upheld.

“We urge the Senate and House of Representatives to treat this matter as a priority,” Dantani added. “Democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of expediency or political convenience.”

CDW concluded its statement by demanding an immediate reversal of the appointments and a return to democratic governance at the local level.

“The people of Rivers State deserve legitimate, elected representation — not handpicked appointees. We must not normalise authoritarian shortcuts in a democratic society,” the group warned.