Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. This decision comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt issued a restraining order. The court order stops him from appointing administrators to oversee local government councils.
The court’s order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator.
Ibas approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 LGs, effective from April 7, 2025. He also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended.
The approval for the appointment of administrators for Rivers State’s 23 Local Government Areas was announced on Wednesday morning. This was done through a Special Government Announcement. This announcement was made by Professor Ibibia Worika, Secretary to the State Government.
Though the names of the new appointees were not listed, the statement said the appointments takes immediate effect.
It reads, “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.
“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.”
Also, the Sole Administrator cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes. These were carried out by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state. The cancellations cited the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law.
The appointments are expected to bring stability and effective governance to the local government areas. The administrators will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of basic services to the people, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The new administrators will face several challenges, including the need to restore damaged local government secretariats and address the issue of suspended appointees and workers. They will also need to work closely with the state government to ensure the effective implementation of policies and programs.
The appointment of administrators for the 23 LGs is a significant development in the governance of Rivers State. The new administrators will play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of basic services to the people and promoting economic development in the state.