Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to immediately remove the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, citing a breach of constitutional procedure and defiance of President Bola Tinubu’s directives.

In a statement provided to Vanguard on Thursday, Falana referenced the official Federal Government Gazette, which outlined the terms governing the Sole Administrator’s operations.

According to the document, “the Sole Administrator shall operate on the basis of such Regulations that may, from time to time, be issued by me,” President Bola Tinubu stated.

However, Falana noted that “it is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator.”

Despite this, the appointed Sole Administrator has proceeded to make appointments and remove officials who were earlier appointed by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Describing the development as unlawful, Falana said: “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment.

The Sole Administrator ought to be removed without any further delay.”

The legal luminary’s position comes amid a broader political crisis in Rivers State, where the legitimacy of key appointments and the balance of powers between the state and federal government continue to generate intense debate.

A group, the Concerned PDP Youth of Gombe State, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step back from active political contest and pursue an advisory role in shaping the future of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The chairman of the group, Jamilu Adamu, made the call at a press conference on Thursday in Gombe.

Adamu commended Atiku’s significant contributions to the party and Nigeria’s democratic development, describing him as a respected statesman with a notable legacy in the nation’s political history.

He emphasized the need for generational renewal in the PDP, and advised its leadership to create more opportunities for young members to emerge and contribute meaningfully towards rebuilding the party.

“We believe that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar’s experience and wisdom can still benefit the PDP if channelled into mentoring and supporting emerging leaders,” Adamu said.

According to him, the call was not intended as an attack on the former vice president, rather a respected suggestion for strategic repositioning of the party.

The chairman said that PDP must adopt fresh perspectives to give younger voices a central role in party decisions.

Adamu, while reaffirming their commitment to the party, enjoined stakeholders to work towards building a more inclusive, united and dynamic opposition capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

“We are hopeful that our message will be received in the spirit of progress and dialogue,” he added.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has called for renewed national sacrifice, with a strong emphasis on tackling insecurity, empowering women, and prioritising girl-child education as critical tools for rebuilding northern Nigeria.

Its chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, in an Easter message he issued, decried the persistent violence in parts of the North, particularly in Plateau and Benue states, describing the situation as a stain on the nation’s conscience and a threat to future stability.

According to the statement, “The Easter season should awaken our collective conscience, it is a time to rise above selfish interests, disunity and fear, especially as Northern Nigeria grapples with insecurity, moral decline, and leadership failure.”

CAN expressed deep concern over the impact of ongoing attacks and displacement on families and communities, urging government at all levels to act with “urgency, compassion, and conscience”.

The Christian body called for a new strategic approach, compensation for victims of violence, and the implementation of community-based peacebuilding and trauma-healing initiatives.

Beyond the security concerns, CAN spotlighted the pivotal role of women in societal development, urging both government and communities to invest in women and girls through education and mentorship.

“When we deny girls access to education, we threaten our collective future,” the group stated, adding that “a girl denied education today may become a mother tomorrow who lacks the tools to steer her family away from ignorance and extremism.”

CAN referenced biblical figures such as Queen Esther, Deborah, and Mary the mother of Jesus, as timeless examples of female leadership and courage, stressing that Northern Nigeria must begin to raise a generation of daughters “prepared for leadership and impact.”

The statement further urged parents to treat the education and moral upbringing of their children as sacred duties and implored leaders to emulate Christ-like leadership rooted in service, accountability, and empathy.

“As we celebrate Easter, let it inspire concrete action. Let it drive us to build a future where governance is anchored on justice and equity, where women are empowered to lead, and where children are nurtured in truth and love,” CAN said.