Rivers State Administrator Ibas Swears in New LGA Administrators Despite Court Order

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has sworn in newly appointed administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state, despite a Federal High Court order restraining him from doing so. The court order was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Adam Muhammed, following a suit filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative.

Background of the Court Order

The court order was granted in response to an ex parte motion submitted on March 28, 2025, requesting the court to stop the state government from making such appointments. Justice Mohammed approved the request and set April 14, 2025, for the hearing of the main case.¹

Ibas’ Defiance of the Court Order

Despite the court order, Ibas approved the appointments on April 7, 2025, with immediate effect. The appointments include administrators for all 23 LGAs, ranging from academics and legal practitioners to surveyors and technocrats. The state government has also announced a new board for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), with Michael Ekpai Odey appointed as Chairman.²

Reactions to the Appointments

The appointments have sparked mixed reactions, with some quarters expressing shock and disappointment, while others have welcomed the move. Feelers from the Sim Fubara camp indicate anger and shock, while those from the Nyesom Wike camp have expressed joy and a sense of triumph.

Implications of the Appointments

The appointments have raised questions about the rule of law and the powers of the Sole Administrator. Some have argued that the appointments are illegal and undermine the democratic process, while others see them as a necessary step to restore stability in the state.

The swearing-in of new LGA administrators in Rivers State has sparked controversy and raised questions about the rule of law and the powers of the Sole Administrator. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the state government will navigate the complex web of politics and law.