Prominent Rivers State-born technocrat and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Atedo Peterside, has faulted recent appointments made by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), calling them “unjustifiable, illegal, and inflammatory.”
In a scathing interview, Peterside expressed deep concern over Ibas’ conduct since assuming his controversial position as Sole Administrator, especially as it pertains to his choice of local government sole administrators and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Peterside did not mince words, accusing Ibas—an indigene of Cross River State—of exacerbating political tensions in Rivers State by appointing individuals he described as “riff-raffs” into strategic positions. “He’s not only fueling an already burning political crisis,” Peterside said, “but also disrespecting the sensibilities of the people of Rivers.”
According to Peterside, the entire process surrounding Ibas’ emergence as Sole Administrator was flawed from the outset. He described the executive decision to install a sole administrator as “misguided” and accused the legislature of introducing “rascality” by confirming the appointment through a voice vote—a method he insisted cannot legally determine a two-thirds majority.
“I saw the images. We don’t even know how many lawmakers were present. How can such a weighty appointment be confirmed without a proper count?” he asked.
He further criticized Ibas for overreaching his constitutional limits by unilaterally replacing existing officials, especially within the Rivers State Electoral Commission and the 23 local government areas. Peterside argued that if Ibas was genuinely committed to restoring order, he should have allowed the most senior civil servants to manage local government affairs until the political climate stabilizes.
Peterside issued a public challenge to Ibas, demanding full disclosure on how those appointed were selected. “Did he advertise the positions? Did he consult stakeholders? Did he seek out individuals of proven integrity and competence?” he queried. “We know ourselves in Rivers. Some of those he appointed are simply not fit for public office.”
He also hinted at cronyism, suggesting that many of the appointees may have personal connections to Ibas from his time in the Nigerian Navy. “Was this an open process or a backdoor selection of loyalists?”
At the heart of Peterside’s critique lies a deeper concern for the democratic integrity of governance in Rivers State. With local elections approaching, he questioned the credibility of any process overseen by those appointed without public scrutiny or transparency.
“Can we trust elections conducted under such questionable leadership? This is how democracy begins to erode,” he warned.
Peterside emphasized that the people of Rivers State would not sit idly by and allow their resources and institutions to be hijacked. “We will not accept individuals being imposed on us to lord over our affairs. Enough is enough.”
Peterside’s comments add to a chorus of criticisms from Rivers stakeholders, including activist Annkio Briggs, who earlier accused Ibas of “pouring petrol on fire.” The atmosphere in Rivers has remained tense following the political standoff between the former governor, Nyesom Wike, and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara—a feud that has polarized the state’s political landscape.
While the presidency has remained largely silent, pressure is mounting for the federal government to intervene and address the growing constitutional and democratic concerns surrounding Ibas’ tenure and appointments.
The fallout from these appointments could prove pivotal for Rivers State, where political peace has remained fragile since late 2023. For many, Peterside’s intervention signals a broader demand for transparency, legality, and respect for the rule of law in the governance of Nigeria’s oil-rich region.
As the controversy unfolds, all eyes will be on Abuja and the judiciary, both of which may have to weigh in on the legitimacy and consequences of decisions made by the Rivers Sole Administrator.