Ibok Ete Ibas

The Rivers State Government has named new administrators for its 23 Local Government Areas, following approval from the state’s Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

The announcement was made on Monday, April 7, by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika. It also includes the reconstitution of boards of various suspended agencies, commissions, and parastatals.

The appointments come shortly after the Supreme Court nullified the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024.

However, the move faces legal resistance. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled April 14, 2025, to hear a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu of the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative.

Nsirimovu is challenging the appointments and is seeking an order to stop them. While Justice Adamu Mohammed did not issue a restraining order, he directed the Rivers State Administrator to appear and show cause why the request should not be granted.