The Conference of Professionals in the Peoples Democratic Party (CP-PDP) has issued a stern warning to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), cautioning him against appropriating or disbursing any statutory allocations or funds meant for the state.
Following a strategy meeting in Abuja, the group, through its Protem National Coordinator, Barr. Obinna Nwachukwu, declared that no provision of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants Ibas such authority. The CP-PDP cited Sections 120(3)(4) and 121(1) of the Constitution, which vest power over state funds and budgeting solely in a democratically elected governor and the State House of Assembly.
The group further questioned the legality of Ibas’ appointment by President Bola Tinubu, even with National Assembly endorsement, arguing that it violates Section 5(2) of the Constitution, which states that executive powers of a state belong only to an elected governor.
Describing the appointment as unconstitutional, the CP-PDP vowed to:
Petition the EFCC to scrutinize any financial transactions by the Sole Administrator.
Engage international bodies, including the United Nations, to impose sanctions such as visa bans on individuals undermining democracy in Rivers State.
The group also commended PDP Governors for approaching the Supreme Court to challenge the matter, reaffirming their commitment to protecting democracy in Nigeria.
