‘You can’t come from Cross River to impose riff raffs on us in Rivers’ – Peterside Challenges Ibas over appointments

Atedo Peterside, President of the ANAP Foundation and founder of IBTC Bank, has challenged Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to explain the recent appointments he made in the state. Peterside expressed strong disapproval of Ibas’ decision to appoint local government sole administrators and others, questioning the legitimacy and process behind these appointments.

Peterside, speaking on Arise News, criticized Ibas for coming from Cross River State to influence the governance of Rivers. He described the appointments as being made hastily and without proper consideration for the people of Rivers State. Peterside accused Ibas of appointing individuals whom he referred to as “riff raffs” into important positions, urging Ibas to clarify how these appointments were made.

The businessman and philanthropist further questioned whether the appointments followed due process, asking if the positions were advertised, if nominations were called for, or if the most competent and qualified individuals were selected. He expressed concern that the appointment process lacked transparency, which he believes disrespects the people of Rivers State.

Peterside pointed out that Ibas’ appointment as Sole Administrator itself was irregular, claiming that it was a result of misguided actions by the executive and the use of a voice vote to confirm his appointment, which he argued was not a valid method of approval. He emphasized that this uncertainty surrounding Ibas’ appointment made the subsequent decisions regarding local government administrators even more questionable.

Peterside also raised concerns about Ibas’ handling of the Rivers State Electoral Commission, accusing him of removing people from office and making questionable appointments in a manner that was difficult to justify. He made it clear that the people of Rivers would not accept being governed by individuals appointed under such unclear circumstances, adding that there should be immediate accountability for these actions.

In closing, Peterside warned that the people of Rivers State would not passively accept being controlled by outsiders or by appointments they viewed as detrimental to the state’s welfare and integrity. He called for an immediate review of Ibas’ decisions and stressed that the people of Rivers must not be disrespected in this way.