President Bola Tinubu has reportedly directed the Rivers State sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to establish a leadership system at the local government level, Vanguard reports.
Following this alleged instruction, Ibas is reportedly planning to appoint administrators to oversee the 23 local government areas in the state.
The news of this possible development has created tension among residents and political observers in Rivers.
Concerns are growing that such appointments might contradict Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, which state that local governments should be governed by elected officials.
A recent Supreme Court ruling also upheld the autonomy of local governments, declaring that they should not be run by appointed administrators.
Sources familiar with the situation told Vanguard that a list of potential administrators has already been compiled, raising suspicions about favoritism toward certain political figures in the state.
This has further deepened fears that the appointments could create political unrest and undermine grassroots democracy.
Opposition groups and those on the other side of the political divide are said to be preparing to challenge the appointments if they go through.
Critics argued that imposing unelected administrators would not only violate democratic norms but could also set a troubling precedent of executive interference in local governance.
The source said to Vanguard: “Nigerians must remain vigilant against this unconstitutional manoeuvre, as it threatens the foundation of grassroots democracy.
“Any attempt to impose unelected administrators on LGs must be met with firm resistance from law-abiding citizens, political stakeholders, and civil society groups.
“Will the rule of law prevail, or will impunity reign? The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether democracy holds firm or is trampled upon.”
