Human rights activist and Rivers State advocate, Ann-Kio Briggs, has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s decision to appoint retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State, accusing him of pushing an unconstitutional and dangerous agenda.
Speaking in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, Briggs warned that the state is heading toward instability due to Ibas’ defiance of court orders and sweeping changes to state and local government structures.
“If the goal was to maintain peace, then he’s doing the exact opposite,” she said. “He’s throwing fuel on a fire that was already dying down.”
Since the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by President Bola Tinubu, Rivers State has been without commissioners or an executive council. In the meantime, Ibas has taken controversial steps, including removing elected local government officials, appointing caretaker leaders, and setting up a new electoral body—actions Briggs says go against the law.
“He’s not even from Rivers State. On what grounds is he making these decisions?” she asked. “This is unconstitutional.”
Briggs also alleged that Ibas is not acting as a neutral figure but is instead advancing the interests of a powerful political faction.
“He’s not removing Wike’s people—he’s replacing them with Wike’s people,” she claimed. “This is a dangerous political script being played out.”
She called on President Tinubu to reconsider the federal intervention in the state, arguing that there was no crisis before the move and that the president may have been misled by individuals with vested interests.
“There was no insecurity in Rivers. The president has been seriously misinformed by those chasing political and personal power,” she said.
Briggs recommended that trusted and neutral national figures, such as Bishop Matthew Kukah and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, be considered for any peacekeeping or mediation efforts.
“We would trust the process more if people like them were involved. We don’t want Ibas in that role,” she added.
As tensions escalate, she issued a strong warning about the growing frustration among the people of Rivers.
“There’s serious concern on the ground. This situation could easily spiral into unrest,” she concluded.