Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has appointed administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This decision comes shortly after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt issued an interim order restraining him from making such appointments.
List of Rivers State Newly Appointed Administrators
The appointments were announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, who noted that the appointments took effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.
This development follows a legal challenge by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu. The organization filed suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, resulting in Justice Adam Muhammed granting an interim injunction restraining the Sole Administrator from appointing LGA administrators.
Despite the court order, Vice Admiral Ibas proceeded with the appointments, leading to concerns about adherence to judicial directives. Msirimovu expressed apprehension over the Sole Administrator’s actions, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.
In addition to the LGA appointments, Ibas approved the reconstitution of previously suspended boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals. The statement from the Secretary to the State Government indicated that these appointments also took effect on April 7, 2025.
This series of actions has intensified the political climate in Rivers State, raising questions about the balance between executive decisions and judicial authority.
