Politics

Court Stops Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas from Inaugurating New Officials

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 14th, 2025.

Court Stops Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas from Inaugurating New Officials

A High Court in Rivers State, sitting in Port Harcourt, has issued an interim order preventing the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), from swearing in newly appointed members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, according to a report by Daily Watch Nigeria.

Justice Frank Onyiri issued the ruling after hearing final written submissions in a lawsuit filed by former commission members who were appointed by the suspended Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara. These individuals are challenging their removal, claiming the process was illegal and seeking court intervention.

The court, after considering arguments from both sides, directed all parties to maintain the current state of affairs until the final judgment, scheduled for September 29.

Among the claimants are Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others. They argue that their removal by the Sole Administrator was carried out without legal authority or due process. According to them, Ibas does not have the constitutional mandate to dismiss them or appoint replacements.

The claimants maintain they were validly appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, with official records of their confirmation lodged with the Clerk of the House. In a sworn affidavit, Ben—who was serving as chairman before the suspension—asserts that Ibas’s actions violate established legal procedures.

The lawsuit names Vice Admiral Ibas, the state’s Accountant General, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven other individuals and entities as defendants.