Suspension of entire public sector structure: Ijaw youth group raises alarm, says its full-blown military dictatorship

The suspension of entire public sector structure in Rivers State by the Sole Administrator seems to send alarm and panic.

Now, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC Worldwide) says they believe full blown military regime has come to the state.

In a statement signed by Maobuye Mangi Obu, secretary-general, the IYC said inalienable rights have been cut short.

The statement referred to the late night announcement of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, by Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a vice admiral and Rivers State Administrator, suspending statutory commissions and boards which had clear tenures in Rivers State.

Obu said the action is an affront on the rights of Rivers people and nothing short of a full-blown military dictatorship in action. He said the move, executed under the guise of presidential authority, is a desperate attempt to remove all possible checks and balances to facilitate the appropriation of Rivers State’s resources.

Quoting President Thomas Jefferson of the US, he said: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men.”

IJC said it is now beyond doubt that the Administrator is merely executing the agenda of former governor, Nyesom Wike, who they said remains hell-bent on controlling the state and its resources. “By suspending the Secretary to the State Government, the chief of staff, commissioners, board members, and special advisers, the Administrator has effectively crippled the state’s democratic governance, leaving Rivers State at the mercy of a few handpicked loyalists willing to do FCT Minister’s bidding.”

They said the action has grave security implications. “By creating disaffection and sidelining legitimate government officials, the Administrator is fueling political instability and pushing Rivers State towards crisis. The people of Rivers State will not be deceived—this is not about governance; it is about consolidating power to continue the reckless looting of the state’s treasury.

“We categorically condemn this dictatorial action and call on all Rivers people to stand against this blatant abuse of power. The state belongs to the people, not to a cabal of political opportunists seeking to milk it dry. Democracy must be restored, and Rivers people must not be silenced.”

The IJC demanded an immediate reversal of the suspension of the governor and demanded the return to democratic governance. “Rivers State must not be turned into the personal estate of a single individual and his cronies.”