A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an order restraining the ‘Unconstitutional’ Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating the recently confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.
Justice Frank Onyiri issued the interim order pending judgment in a suit filed by the suspended Chairman and members of the Commission, who were appointed by the embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The claimants – Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others – are challenging their suspension and what they describe as their unlawful removal and replacement without adherence to due process.
In their suit, they contend that they were duly appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, with confirmation records submitted to the Clerk of the House prior to the issuance of their appointment letters by Governor Fubara.
The court had earlier, in April 2024, directed all parties to maintain the status quo. Following the adoption of final written addresses by both parties, Justice Onyiri has adjourned the matter for judgment, which is scheduled for September 29, 2025.
In an affidavit deposed by the suspended Chairman, Rev. Ben, the claimants argue that Vice Admiral Ibas lacks the legal authority to suspend or replace them, insisting that such actions can only be taken through constitutionally recognized processes.
The defendants in the case include the Sole Administrator, the Rivers State Accountant General, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven others.
