From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide has alleged that the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, by President Bola Tinubu is an attempt to loot the state.
Secretary-General of Council, Maobuye Nangi Obu, made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday, stating that the Rivers is currently under military rule.
Obu expressed dismay for the suspension of public office holders and appointees by the state Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (retd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, saying that it is dictatorial.
He stated: “The latest announcement by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral (retd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, suspending statutory commissions and boards with clear tenures in Rivers State, is an affront on the rights of Rivers people and nothing short of a full-blown military dictatorship in action.
“This reckless move, executed under the guise of presidential authority, is a desperate attempt to remove all possible checks and balances to facilitate the looting of Rivers State’s resources.”
The Secretary-General further alleged: “It is now beyond doubt that the administrator is merely a puppet executing the agenda of former Governor Nyesom Wike, who remains hell-bent on controlling the state and draining its wealth.”
According to IYC, “By suspending the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Board members, and Special Advisers, the administrator has effectively crippled the state’s democratic governance, leaving Rivers State at the mercy of a few handpicked loyalists willing to do Wike’s bidding.”
The council warned that the action of the sole administrator has grave security implications, insisting that Rivers people cannot be deceived because the decision is not about governance.
The IYC condemned the emergency rule and called on the members of the public to resist the dictatorial tendencies, while demanding for reversal of the declaration and suspension of the state governor by the president.
Obu continued: “By creating disaffection and sidelining legitimate government officials, the administrator is fueling political instability and pushing Rivers State towards crisis. The people of Rivers State will not be deceived—this is not about governance; it is about consolidating power to continue the reckless looting of the state’s treasury.
“We categorically condemn this dictatorial action and call on all Rivers people to stand against this blatant abuse of power. The state belongs to the people, not to a cabal of political opportunists seeking to milk it dry. Democracy must be restored, and Rivers people must not be silenced.
“We demand an immediate reversal of this illegal suspension and a return to democratic governance. Rivers State must not be turned into the personal estate of a single individual and his cronies.”