By Caleb Ishaya
National President, Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Ambassador Godknows Igali has issued a strongly worded open letter to the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), raising serious concerns over actions perceived as undermining democratic institutions.
In the letter dated April 3, Ambassador Igali expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as a “systematic tearing down” of democratic structures under Ibas leadership, following the state of emergency declared in Rivers State in March.
The former minister of water resources voiced his concerns over recent decisions that appear to compromise the state’s democratic governance.
Igali, a retired Permanent Secretary, began by offering a personal note of regret for not sending congratulatory messages on Ibas appointment, citing the controversial state of emergency and his inability to reconcile it with the ongoing peace-building efforts initiated by South-South leaders with President Bola Tinubu earlier in March.
Despite his longstanding respect for Ibas career and achievements, Igali expressed shock at the abrupt suspension of several key democratic institutions, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, governing councils of tertiary institutions and the Traditional Rulers Council.
He also mentioned the removal of the photograph of the elected governor from government offices, including the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic principles even during times of crisis, Igali referenced the actions taken by the former Attorney- General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, during a similar period of emergency in 2013, when democratic institutions were protected despite the challenges posed by insurgency.
“I have been close enough in government to know that the decapitation of democratic institutions during times of emergency rule is alien and repugnant to our current democratic structure,” Igali wrote, urging Ibas to reconsider his approach and the sweeping powers being exercised in his role as sole administrator.
In his appeal, he laid out the fundamental responsibilities of an interim administrator, emphasising the need to manage the state’s administration, ensure transparency, maintain peace and avoid decisions that could undermine the democratic fabric of the state.
He cautioned that the current trajectory could harm both the reputation of the sole administrator and the broader political climate in Rivers State.
Despite the criticisms, Igali pledged his support to Ibas tenure, stressing that PANDEF would continue to work for peace in Rivers State, while calling on the former naval chief to show the courage and reverse some of his actions.
The letter ended with a hopeful plea for Ibas to act as a dispassionate instrument of peace and to adhere to acceptable standards of governance.
The open letter came at a critical time, as tension remains high in the region, following the emergency rule, with many calling for a careful balance between ensuring peace and upholding democratic institutions.
