A network of 100 civil society organisations under the name Civic Room for Rule of Law has urged President Bola Tinubu to remove the Sole Administrator of the Treasure Base of the Nation (Rivers), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
The coalition is backing human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who recently called on the federal government to act over what he described as breaches of legal boundaries by the administrator.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s president, Barrister Maxwell Egboh, the coalition accused Ibas of acting without presidential backing, with claims that he has removed and appointed government officials without legal authority, bypassing regulations set by the presidency as outlined in an Official Gazette dated March 18, 2025.
“These actions show complete disregard for the President’s directives and the limits of his role,” the statement said.
The coalition warned that Ibas’ decisions are fueling political tension in the state, pointing to growing uncertainty and the risk of further instability if immediate steps are not taken.
“We cannot ignore the effects of one individual’s actions on the peace and order of the state.This situation calls for urgent leadership from the federal government to prevent further damage” Egbo said.
The group stressed that leadership must be grounded in law and accountability, and that no appointed official should operate outside the framework provided by the constitution.
