BREAKING NEWS: CP-PDP Warns Ibas, Threatens International Action Over Rivers State Funds
March 28, 2025 – The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has issued a stern warning to Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), cautioning him to “steer clear” of Rivers State’s statutory allocations and all other funds. In a press release following their strategy meeting today, the group declared Ibas’s appointment as sole administrator of Rivers State illegal and unconstitutional.
The CP-PDP cited several sections of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including Section 120 (3) and (4), and Section 121 (1), which explicitly empower the democratically elected Governor of the State to manage state funds.
They argued that Ibas’s appointment, even with National Assembly endorsement, violates Section 5(2) of the Constitution, which vests executive powers in the state governor.
“Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) must note that no provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) grants him the power under any circumstance whatsoever to appropriate or disburse allocation or any fund accruable to Rivers State,” the release stated.
The CP-PDP has also put the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on notice, urging them to investigate any withdrawal or spending of Rivers State public funds by Ibas. Furthermore, the group’s foreign affairs experts are preparing petitions to international bodies, seeking sanctions, including visa bans, for individuals and their families involved in what they describe as “undermining democracy in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State.”
The CP-PDP commended the PDP state governors for their legal action at the Supreme Court, praising their efforts to “preserve democracy in the country.” This developing situation raises significant constitutional questions and heightens tensions surrounding the administration of Rivers State.
