Ibas appoints administrators for 23 Rivers LGs despite court order

The sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

The development was made public on Wednesday morning through an official statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika.

While the announcement confirmed the approval of the appointments, it notably did not disclose the identities of those selected to oversee the various local government councils.

“His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, has given his approval for the appointment of administrators to serve in the 23 local government areas of the state,” the statement read.

It further added that the governor has also reconstituted the boards of several government agencies, commissions, and parastatals that were previously suspended.

“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended.

“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”

According to the release, all new appointments are effective from Monday, April 7, 2025.

This comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils.

The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity.