A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order restraining Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the state’s Sole Administrator, from inaugurating the newly confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.
The court’s decision came after a suit was filed by the suspended Chairman and members of the Commission, who were appointed by the embattled Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The claimants, led by Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, argued that their removal was unlawful and that Ibas lacked the legal authority to suspend or replace them.
They contended that their appointments were duly confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, and records of their confirmation existed with the Clerk of the House.
The suspended Chairman and members argued that their suspension was procedurally flawed and unconstitutional. They claimed that the Sole Administrator’s actions infringed on the principle of separation of powers and lacked legal backing.
Presiding Judge, Justice Frank Onyiri issued the restraining order and directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the court’s final judgment.
The court adjourned the matter to September 29, 2025, for judgment the defendants in the suit include the Sole Administrator, the Accountant-General of the state, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven others.¹
