In a move that is already generating political buzz, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has announced the appointment of administrators to oversee the 23 Local Government Areas in the state.
This development was made public on Wednesday morning through a Special Government Announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika.
Although the names of the new appointees were not disclosed in the statement, the government confirmed that the appointments take immediate effect.
The announcement also noted that Ibas had approved the reconstitution of several boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals that had previously been suspended.
According to the statement, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”
However, this announcement comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly issued a restraining order against Ibas, barring him from appointing administrators to manage the affairs of the local government councils.
The court ruling, which has yet to be officially responded to by the state government, was reportedly aimed at protecting the autonomy of the local government system and ensuring adherence to constitutional processes.
The decision by the Sole Administrator to proceed with the appointments despite the reported court injunction is expected to stir legal and political controversy in the days ahead.
Legal experts and political stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, with many anticipating a wave of reactions from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and constitutional watchdogs.
As tension brews, all eyes remain on Rivers State, where this unfolding development may mark the beginning of another round of political and legal battles.