The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the actions of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator appointed in Rivers State, describing them as dictatorial and unconstitutional.

The group questioned the legitimacy of the state of emergency declaration, citing no breakdown of law and order or internal security threats in Rivers State.

In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, the association emphasised that a sitting governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remains in office, having not been impeached or lawfully removed.

The association emphasised that the president lacks constitutional authority to sack or suspend a democratically elected governor. The position of Sole Administrator is also unknown to Nigeria’s democratic framework, making Ibas’ appointment questionable.

They also expressed concern over Ibas’ sweeping changes, including widespread dismissals of political appointees occupying legally recognised offices.

The association found it troubling that an unelected administrator is exercising executive powers exclusive to a sitting governor. The group urged stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and reject abuse of power.

Describing the situation as reminiscent of a civilian coup, HURIWA warned that the current developments in Rivers State pose a serious threat to the rule of law and constitutional democracy. The group urged the Sole Administrator to act within the confines of the law and cautioned him against further actions that infringe on the rights of the people of Rivers State.

HURIWA also expressed dismay at the role played by the National Assembly in what it called the rubber-stamping of the emergency proclamation. The group recalled that Nigerians were told that a committee of respected national statesmen and women would be set up to mediate and restore political stability in Rivers State, but to date, no such committee has been formed. Instead, the group lamented, the Sole Administrator has continued to act with unchecked powers, disregarding the constitutional authority of the governor and the rights of the people.

The association called on the National Assembly to immediately revisit the matter and take steps to restore democratic governance in the state. It urged the legislature to recognize that its primary duty is to protect the Constitution and the democratic aspirations of Nigerians, rather than serve as a tool for executive overreach.

HURIWA further aligned itself with the recent peaceful protests by young Nigerians across various states, who have taken to the streets to demand an end to what they see as an unlawful and dangerous subversion of democracy in Rivers State. The group applauded their civil approach and reiterated its full support for their demands, stressing that the will of the people must prevail in all democratic settings.

The civil rights body reiterated its position that the only path to genuine reconciliation and peace is through a return to constitutional order. It called on President Tinubu to listen to the voice of reason, end the political impasse, and ensure the immediate restoration of the constitutionally elected government in Rivers State.

According to HURIWA, what is currently playing out in Rivers is not only a travesty of justice but a mockery of Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy. The group emphasized that anything short of reinstating Governor Fubara and ending the administrator’s reign would be tantamount to endorsing a dangerous precedent that could erode democratic institutions across the country.

HURIWA reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic norms and urged well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to speak out against what it described as an unfolding authoritarian project in the state.

It concluded by calling for vigilance and peaceful resistance against any attempt to destroy the gains of Nigeria’s democratic journey.