Inibehe Effiong Slams Ibas for Summoning Fubara: "Unconstitutional Impostor"

Legal Backlash Over Rivers State Power Tussle

Renowned human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly condemned the recent summons issued by Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to suspended Governor Similayi Fubara.

In a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), Effiong labeled the order as “silly and ridiculous,” urging Fubara not to dignify the call with a response.

“If Fubara dignifies this silly and ridiculous summons, it means he is not a serious person,” Effiong wrote.

Legal Backlash Over Rivers State Power Tussle

Renowned human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly condemned the recent summons issued by Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to suspended Governor Similayi Fubara.

In a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter), Effiong labeled the order as “silly and ridiculous,” urging Fubara not to dignify the call with a response.

He said:

“If Fubara dignifies this silly and ridiculous summons, it means he is not a serious person.”

Effiong: 'A Governor Protected by Immunity'

Effiong emphasized that the summons defies constitutional logic, stating that Fubara, as a sitting governor, enjoys constitutional immunity from such directives.

He went further to say:

“An unconstitutional impostor is summoning a governor who is protected by constitutional immunity?”

He added,

“This madness can only happen in Tinubu’s Nigeria. Such insolence!”

 

If Fubara dignifies this silly and ridiculous summons, it means he is not a serious person.

An unconstitutional impostor is summoning a governor who is protected by constitutional immunity?

This madness can only happen in Tinubu’s Nigeria.

Such insolence! https://t.co/umYxBx87nI

— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) April 15, 2025

 

Background of the Controversy

Reports indicate that Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Secretary to the State Government, made the summons public through a special announcement. The notice requested Fubara and Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Ordu to appear before Ibas at the Government House, Port Harcourt, regarding appointments made during the Fubara-led administration over the past two years.

However, Effiong insists the move lacks both legal and constitutional merit, branding Ibas an “unconstitutional impostor.”

Legal Community Divided

While some believe Ibas’s position holds administrative authority, legal experts like Effiong argue that such actions set a dangerous precedent, weakening Nigeria’s democratic structures.

Final Thoughts

The incident adds fuel to the already intense political drama unfolding in Rivers State, raising questions about the boundaries of power and the role of constitutional checks.

Call to Action

📢 What’s your take on this escalating situation in Rivers State? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to Mercy Buzz Hub for more real-time legal and political updates.

Related: Rivers Crisis Deepens: Sole Administrator Ibas Summons Suspended Gov. Fubara Over Appointments