In a rare and strongly worded open letter dated April 3, 2025, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, a respected diplomat and National President of PANDEF (Pan Niger Delta Forum), expressed deep concern over what he describes as the “systematic tearing down of democratic institutions” in Rivers State under the watch of newly appointed State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), CFR.
Addressed directly to the former Chief of Naval Staff and High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Igali’s letter outlines a litany of grievances, painting a troubling picture of governance in Rivers State following the recent declaration of a state of emergency by the federal government.
A Controversial Appointment
The appointment of Admiral Ibas as sole Administrator of Rivers State came in the wake of escalating political tensions and unrest. However, Igali criticizes the move as an “embarrassing aberration,” lamenting the timing of the emergency declaration—just a week after leaders of the South-South region, under PANDEF, had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss peace-building efforts in the state.
Igali notes that contrary to the President’s charge to “continue with peace building and report back,” the federal government moved swiftly to impose emergency rule, a move he regards as both unconstitutional and regressive.
Alarming Developments
Among the concerns raised in the letter are:
The removal of the elected governor’s photographs from government offices across the state, which Igali personally observed at Port Harcourt International Airport.
The suspension of critical statutory bodies, including the State Independent Electoral Commission, Governing Councils of tertiary institutions, and the Traditional Rulers Council.
The sweeping exercise of powers not clearly backed by the official gazette or National Assembly mandate establishing the administrator’s role.
Drawing on his extensive experience in diplomacy and governance, Igali warns against overreach and urges restraint. He emphasizes that the role of a state administrator, particularly during interim rule, is primarily to manage day-to-day operations, ensure transparency, and foster peace—not to dismantle democratic frameworks.
A Call for Redemption
Despite the pointed critique, Igali’s tone remains measured, calling on Admiral Ibas to reflect and take corrective steps. “May the good Lord use you as a dispassionate instrument of peace,” he writes in conclusion, “and may you have the courage to undo some of your actions that have so far proven to be over the bar.”
A Nation Watches
This open letter adds to a growing national discourse on the implications of emergency rule and the preservation of democratic institutions. With PANDEF pledging to work with the administrator to ensure peace and a swift return to constitutional governance, all eyes are now on Rivers State—where the stakes are not just political, but symbolic of the country’s democratic resilience.
As the dust settles, many in the Niger Delta and beyond will be watching Admiral Ibas’ next steps closely.
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