PORT HARCOURT — In a bold and controversial move, Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) has appointed administrators for all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs)—less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court explicitly barred him from doing so.
The stunning announcement was delivered via a Special Government Announcement early Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Worika, triggering an immediate political and legal firestorm.
“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,” the statement read.
“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. All appointments take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.”
A DEFIANT ACT AMID LEGAL RESTRAINT
This dramatic development comes in direct contradiction to a Tuesday court ruling from Justice Adam Muhammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. The ruling, under suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, granted an interim order restraining the Sole Administrator from making such appointments.
The suit was filed by civic watchdog group PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by activist Courage Msirimovu.
“This is a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” Msirimovu told reporters.
“We are witnessing a dangerous trend where court orders are treated as mere suggestions. This undermines the very fabric of democracy and governance.”
As of the time of reporting, the list of appointed LGA administrators has not been made public, fueling speculation about political favoritism and backdoor dealings.
A SWEEPING POWER GRAB?
In a parallel and equally contentious decision, Ibas has also nullified all procurement and tender processes conducted by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
This action, explained in a separate statement by the SSG, was linked to the absence of an appropriation law, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
“All MDAs that carried out such tender processes are directed to refund the fees collected from contractors immediately,” the government said.
This follows last week’s blanket suspension of all heads of MDAs, further consolidating Ibas’ grip on the state’s administrative machinery—a move critics say is symptomatic of a creeping autocracy.
DEMOCRACY ON THE EDGE
The unfolding events in Rivers State have ignited alarm across the country, with analysts warning that the escalating power tussle, court defiance, and institutional shakeups signal a dangerous erosion of democratic governance.
With mounting legal battles, a gagged legislature, and now unilateral local government appointments, Rivers State appears to be hurtling toward a full-blown constitutional crisis.
The big question remains: Who really holds the reins of power in Rivers — the courts or the man appointed to rule with emergency powers.
