A former diplomat and National President of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, has expressed strong disapproval over what he described as the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions in Rivers State under the leadership of the state’s current Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
In a strongly worded open letter dated April 3, 2025, Ambassador Igali voiced concerns over the administrative actions taken since the declaration of emergency rule in the state, describing them as “alien and repugnant” to Nigeria’s democratic structure.
“I still cannot come to terms that a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State just one week after our most revered leaders had audience with Mr. President... He requested leaders of South-South under PANDEF to go and continue with peace building in Rivers State and report back to him. Alas, there was no chance for that,” Igali wrote.
He recalled that even during the peak of security crises in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe under President Goodluck Jonathan, democratic institutions were never dismantled. “The then Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN... told the President that emergency rule cannot result in pulling down the institutions of democratic governance we are still nurturing after long years of military rule,” he added.
Ambassador Igali specifically criticized what he described as disturbing actions taken by the Ibas-led administration, including the removal of photographs of the elected governor from state offices and the suspension of key statutory institutions such as the State Independent Electoral Commission, governing councils of tertiary institutions, and the Traditional Rulers Council.
“The more troubling scenario that has emerged... is the unbelievable level of dismantling, disassembling, and raising down all the institutions of democracy that have been in existence in the state,” he stated.
While acknowledging Ibas’s impressive military and diplomatic background, Igali stressed that the Administrator’s mandate must remain within constitutional and globally accepted limits. “The duties of a sole administrator as a placeholder,” he emphasized, “are to manage the day-to-day administration of the state, ensure financial transparency, and most importantly, restore peace—not to dismantle democratic structures.”
Despite his criticisms, Igali extended an olive branch, affirming PANDEF’s willingness to cooperate for the sake of stability. “PANDEF will work with you to ensure your peaceful tenure and early exit from the scene in Rivers State,” he noted, calling on Ibas to retrace his steps and act as a “dispassionate instrument of peace.”
The letter has intensified debate around the ongoing political situation in Rivers State, with observers questioning the scope of the Administrator’s authority under the emergency declaration and the broader implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.
