Jake Epelle, a prominent human rights activist and Executive Director of The Albino Foundation Africa, TAF Africa, has strongly condemned the recent appointment of administrators in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, calling the move unconstitutional and an affront to the nation’s democratic principles. The appointments were made by Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), raising eyebrows across the state. Epelle, in an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, accused the state government of undermining the Nigerian Constitution.

“Rivers State people are smarter to know when people are trying to play on their intelligence. This is simply ‘Demo-crazy.’ What they are doing is further denigrating the constitution of Nigeria, which they swore an oath to uphold,” he said.

Epelle expressed disappointment at the appointment of Ibas, labeling him as “illegal” and questioning the motives behind the decision.

“I will not mince words to describe the so-called sole administrator as illegal. His appointment is illegal. I think they are pushing us to the limit. Rivers people are resilient and peaceful, but this whole drama is becoming laughable and very unconstitutional,” Epelle remarked.

The human rights activist also raised concerns over the perceived lack of oversight, particularly from the National Assembly. He expressed bewilderment over why the legislature seemed to be allowing the situation to unfold without intervention.

“The instruction the president gave him was to make regulations. I don’t think that he was sent there to make appointments. Are they telling us that they plan to extend this so-called emergency rule, when there are many states that are calling for emergency rules and they are looking the other way?” Epelle asked, referring to what he described as an ongoing “rigmarole” aimed at undermining the peace and economic stability of Rivers State.

He also criticised the financial aspect of the administration’s activities, specifically questioning the proposed budget, which he believes is a tool for siphoning public funds.

“Look at the so-called budget that he wanted to present, I see it as a way of siphoning funds,” he added.

Furthermore in his remarks on the suspension of Rivers State Governor Fubara, Epelle questioned the sincerity of the federal government.

“Anyone who is in a responsible leadership position will say a thing and keep his word. What they are doing right now doesn’t look to me like suspension but removal. They should be bold enough to say that they don’t want the democratic systems and values that are attributed to Rivers State to continue.”

Epelle further warned about the potential consequences of these actions, drawing a parallel to the early stages of violent conflicts. “This is how genocide starts. The National Security Advisor needs to watch it. This is when to tell the president the truth. With the way things are going, it looks like they have deceived us to say suspension when they mean removal.” (AriseNews TV)