You Have No Legal Right to Appoint Anyone, Bode George Tells Ibas

Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, has warned Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, about recent appointments and the reorganization of state boards, calling the actions unlawful and potentially consequential.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, George urged Ibas to uphold the Constitution and abide by the rule of law.

He condemned the decision to appoint officials to manage the 23 local government areas and restructure state institutions, despite an existing court order forbidding such measures.

Justice Adamu Turaki Muhammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had previously issued an injunction preventing Ibas from installing sole administrators for the local councils. Nevertheless, Ibas proceeded with the appointments and the reconstitution of various boards, agencies, and commissions.

Reacting to the development, George stated: “I want to warn Admiral Ibas: if you act against the spirit of the Constitution, you will be held responsible. Your appointment is for just six months. Even if the President extends it, you will still leave one day, because nobody elected you. Your position as Sole Administrator is not legally recognized.”

George emphasized that Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected governor of Rivers State, questioning Ibas’ authority to make far-reaching political appointments.

“What happens to those appointments when you leave office on September 18? Why are you flouting a valid court order? Did you receive approval from the National Assembly to reconstitute the boards? Do you now wield both executive and legislative powers in Rivers State?” he asked.

The PDP chieftain warned that Ibas risks being abandoned by those currently backing him.

“You have no legal right to appoint anyone. This is not a military regime. The Constitution is still in force. Those using you now will throw you under the bus once you leave office,” he said.

Speaking as a fellow military veteran, George appealed to Ibas’ sense of duty and legacy.

“You behaved honorably as a Naval officer. Don’t let unconstitutional actions stain your record. You did not drown in the Navy—don’t let politics drown you legally and politically. Now is the time to apply the brakes.”