A fresh wave of panic has gripped Rivers State following reports that the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), is planning to appoint administrators to oversee the state’s 23 local government areas. Sources claim that President Bola Tinubu, upon appointing Ibas, allegedly instructed him to establish a new leadership structure at the local government level. Despite promising peace in the state, Ibas is reportedly on the verge of making these appointments. A source familiar with the development expressed concern that Ibas is pushing forward with this plan, despite clear constitutional provisions and a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming local government autonomy. The source warned that such a move would violate democratic principles and defy the court’s verdict, which mandates that local governments be run by elected officials, not appointed administrators. It is alleged that a list of prospective administrators has already been compiled, raising fears of a deliberate attempt to subvert the people's will. Reports also suggest that the appointments have been skewed in favor of a prominent political figure in the state. In response, opposition figures are reportedly gearing up for a major confrontation once the appointments are announced. Observers fear that this move could trigger a crisis in the local government system and set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach. The source said: “Nigerians must remain vigilant against this unconstitutional manoeuvre, as it threatens the foundation of grassroots democracy. “Any attempt to impose unelected administrators on LGs must be met with firm resistance from law-abiding citizens, political stakeholders, and civil society groups. “Will the rule of law prevail, or will impunity reign? The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether democracy holds firm or is trampled upon.”