Tension in Rivers: Court to Decide Tinubu’s Powers Over State Governors
By NIGPOST Reporter
The political tension in Rivers State is far from over, as the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled April 10 to begin hearing a major legal battle that could reshape Nigeria’s democratic structure.
At the center of the controversy is President Bola Tinubu, listed as the first defendant, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), who was recently appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State after the reported suspension of the state’s Governor and Deputy Governor. The suit is being heard by Justice James Omotosho.
Legal Storm Brews Over Governor’s Removal
An Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, filed the suit, arguing that the President has no constitutional power to remove elected state leaders or appoint anyone to govern in their place—like the appointment of Admiral Ibas.
In his legal argument, Jideobi described the actions taken as “unconstitutional, null, and void.” He is asking the court to reverse all decisions made by the so-called Sole Administrator and bar the president from taking similar actions in the future.
The Core Argument: Protecting Democracy
The suit challenges Tinubu’s decision on March 18, 2025, to suspend the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State. The lawyer is seeking a perpetual injunction to prevent such suspensions or the imposition of Sole Administrators in any Nigerian state.
According to the originating summons, the lawyer wants the court to interpret key sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, including Sections 1, 5(2), 180, 188, 189, 305, and 306, all of which deal with the powers and limits of the executive arm of government.
“No Mention of Sole Administrator in Our Constitution”
In a strongly-worded affidavit, Jideobi emphasized that the term “Sole Administrator” doesn’t exist in Nigeria’s constitution and that only the people—not the President—can decide who governs them.
“As a legal practitioner, I’ve never seen the term ‘Sole Administrator’ in the Constitution. No Governor or Deputy Governor is an appointee of the President,” he said.
He warned that allowing such actions could open the floodgates for executive abuse, leading to political instability and the erosion of democracy.
What the Lawyer Wants
The plaintiff is demanding several declarations and orders from the court, including:
The immediate removal of Vice Admiral Ibas from Rivers Government House.
A ruling that the President has no legal right to appoint or suspend elected Governors.
A declaration that the actions taken on March 18 were illegal and unconstitutional.
He concluded by stressing that this case is filed in the interest of all Nigerians, to uphold the rule of law and defend the integrity of the Constitution.
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