Daily Justice

Port Harcourt, 25 April 2025 – Prominent Nigerian journalist and political analyst Dr Reuben Abati has called for the arrest of the sole administrator of Rivers State, accusing him of violating the Nigerian Constitution. The demand, made during a broadcast on Arise News, follows reports that the administrator ignored an invitation from the House of Representatives committee tasked with overseeing his actions in the state.

Dr Abati condemned the administrator’s refusal to honour the committee’s summons, describing it as a blatant disregard for constitutional authority. “The illegal sole administrator of Rivers State should be arrested for defying the Nigerian Constitution,” he stated, urging swift action to uphold the rule of law. His remarks have intensified scrutiny of the controversial appointment and the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, triggered by President Tinubu’s decision to sack Governor Siminalayi Fubara and appoint the sole administrator.

The defiance of the House committee’s invitation has escalated tensions in Rivers State, with political stakeholders and civil society groups demanding accountability. The controversy has also reignited debates about the balance of power between federal and state authorities in Nigeria’s federal system.

As calls for the sole administrator’s arrest gain traction, observers warn that the crisis could deepen if constitutional norms are not restored. Dr Abati’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among Nigerians who view the situation as a test of the country’s democratic resilience.