The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has come under intense scrutiny following his decision to appoint administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. This move was made despite a Federal High Court order restraining him from doing so. The court, presided over by Justice Adamu Turaki Muhammed, had scheduled a hearing for April 14, 2025, to address a suit filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, which sought to halt the appointments.
Ibas’s actions have been criticized as a disregard for the rule of law, with human rights lawyer Courage Msirimovu expressing concern over the administrator’s decision to proceed with the appointments despite the court’s directive. Msirimovu described this as a “blatant disregard for the rule of law,” which undermines democracy and governance.
The appointments, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, took effect from Monday, April 7, 2025. The list of appointed administrators includes notable figures such as Mr. Okroiyobi Animiete for Abua/Odual LGA and Dr. Sam Kalagbor for Port Harcourt LGA.
In addition to the LGA appointments, Ibas has also reconstituted the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), naming Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as the new chairman. This move is seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate administrative control in the state, following the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara by President Bola Tinubu.
Critics argue that these actions could exacerbate political tensions in Rivers State, which has been operating without commissioners since the governor’s suspension. The absence of elected officials and the reliance on appointed administrators have raised questions about the legitimacy and accountability of the current administrative setup.
As the legal battle unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to see how these developments will impact governance and stability in Rivers State. The scheduled court hearing on April 14, 2025, is expected to provide clarity on the legality of Ibas’s actions and potentially set a precedent for future administrative decisions in the state.
