• Godknows Igali
• Ibas
• PANDEF

PANDEF PRESIDENT IGALI URGES ADM. IBAS TO RESTORE DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS IN RIVERS STATE

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  CapitalTimesNews / 2 months
• 0
• 2 min read

National President of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Godknows Boladei Igali, has written an open letter to Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Administrator of Rivers State, expressing deep concerns over the dismantling of democratic institutions in the state. In the letter dated April 3, 2025, Igali questioned the legality of Ibas’s actions, citing the declaration of a state of emergency and the subsequent suspension of democratic institutions. National President Godknows Igali expressed regret over not congratulating Ibas on his appointment, citing the unusual circumstances surrounding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. “I still cannot come to terms that a state of emergency was declared in Rivers State just one week after our most revered leaders had audience with Mr. President on 11th March 2025,” Igali said. Igali, a seasoned politician and bureaucrat, noted that he has worked closely with several former Presidents and is familiar with the democratic structure of the country. He cited the example of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, where the then Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, advised against dismantling democratic institutions during a state of emergency. The former Diplomat expressed disappointment over Ibas’s actions, which he believes are undermining the democratic institutions in Rivers State. “Your presence in Rivers State is an embarrassing aberration to all men of goodwill and good conscience,” Igali said. He urged Ibas to focus on his role as a sole administrator, which is to ensure peace, stability, and day-to-day administration of the state. Igali’s concerns were centered around the removal of the elected Governor’s photographs from government offices, the suspension of boards of statutory institutions, and the perceived overreach of powers by Ibas’s administration. He cautioned Ibas to be mindful of his actions and to adhere to acceptable standards of decency. In his letter, Igali urged Ibas to undo some of his actions and to work towards restoring peace and stability in Rivers State. “May the good Lord use you as a dispassionate instrument of peace, and may you have the courage to undo some of your actions that have so far proven to be over the bar,” Igali said.