By Gwurld4026 
Court Summons Rivers Administrator on LGA Appointments
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has summoned Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), to explain why an injunction should not be granted to halt the appointment of Sole Administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This legal action follows concerns that such appointments, made without conducting elections, may undermine democratic principles and violate constitutional provisions ensuring elected local government councils.
Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed, presiding over the case, emphasized the importance of fairness in governance. The court has scheduled a hearing for April 14, 2025, to further deliberate on the matter. Legal representatives argue that bypassing elections for LGA leadership could set a concerning precedent for governance in the state.
This development has sparked political debates, with some groups urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene, describing the appointments as a potential abuse of power. They argue that such actions threaten the constitutional framework and democratic institutions of Rivers State.
It’s important to note that on March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, resulting in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the state assembly. Consequently, Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.