DAVID WEST DISMISSES IBAS PEACE COMMENT IN RIVERS, SAYS GOVERNOR FUBARA COMPLETELY INCAPACITATED

Comrade David West, the Chairman Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO in Bayelsa State has faulted recent comments by Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Rivers Sole Administrator, that peace has been restored in the state.

Speaking in an interview, Comrade West argued that Rivers State was never at war before the Sole Administrator assumed office, insisting that the political crisis in the state was deliberately orchestrated to weaken the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

“The Sole Administrator’s comment is just a mere political comment. Was there any war in Rivers State when he came in? Rivers people were not fighting war. There was absolute peace,” West stated.

He accused political actors of suspending the powers of the democratically elected governor in pursuit of the 2027 ambition of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, key functions of governance, including the conduct of local government elections, appointments, and even the passage of the state budget, have already been carried out by the Sole Administrator.

West alleged that Governor Fubara has been reduced to what he described as a “vegetable governor,” saying he has been left with no real authority to exercise.

“Everything has been put in place already. The governor is just there to fulfill all righteousness. If he tries to make any changes, they will use Martins Amaewhule and his group to impeach him. He is completely incapacitated,” he said.

He further criticized the cancellation of contracts and demands for refunds by the Sole Administrator; actions he said were beyond his powers. He warned that such interference would negatively impact development and leave Rivers people at a disadvantage.

West also alleged that the political structure of the state is firmly under the control of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of determining decisions in Rivers State.

“The soul and body of Rivers State is in the hand of one man. Today, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is the owner of Rivers State. It is only his decision that will take place. It’s quite unfortunate,” he said.

Calling on Rivers people to “liberate themselves” in the 2027 elections, West said failure to do so would amount to continued political bondage and underdevelopment.

By Bright Okpo