Fresh Appointments Stir Controversy Across Rivers State
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has officially appointed new administrators for all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state — a decision that comes barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from making such appointments.
The development was announced in a Special Government Announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, on Wednesday morning, April 9, 2025. According to the announcement, the appointments take immediate effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.
Among those appointed are Mr. Okroiyobi Animete for Abua/Odual LGA, Mr. Goodluck M. Iheanacho for Ahoada East, and Mr. Promise Jacob for Ahoada West, with a full list provided in the statement.
Court Ruling Ignored?
The appointments have stirred public interest and legal debates, as they appear to contradict a court order issued by Justice Adam Muhammed in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025.
The case was filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu, challenging the legality of the sole administrator’s powers.
Boards, Agencies Reinstated
In the same announcement, Ibas also approved the reconstitution of several boards of government agencies, commissions, and parastatals that were previously suspended during his administrative shake-up last week.
Recall that Ibas had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the state and cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes—citing the absence of an appropriation law and the implications of a recent Supreme Court judgment.
He further directed MDAs involved in such tenders to refund fees collected from contractors immediately.
Political Tensions and Governance Watch
This move adds another layer to the ongoing political drama in Rivers State, where legal battles, administrative changes, and restructuring have dominated headlines. It also raises questions about the balance of power and adherence to judicial processes within the state.
Observers are watching closely to see how this latest decision will play out legally and politically in the coming days.
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