A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order restraining retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, from inaugurating the recently confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, pending the court’s final judgment.
Court Order Ahead of Judgment
Justice Frank Onyiri, presiding over the case, gave the order after all parties adopted their final written addresses in a suit filed by the suspended Chairman and members of the Commission appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is currently suspended.
The judge reaffirmed an earlier status quo directive issued in April 2024, preventing any changes until the matter is fully resolved. He adjourned the case for judgment on September 29, 2025.
Claimants Challenge Suspension
The claimants, including Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others, are challenging what they described as their unlawful suspension and replacement. They argue that their appointments were validly made by Governor Fubara and duly confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to court filings, confirmation records had already been submitted to the Clerk of the House before their appointment letters were issued.
No Legal Grounds for Suspension, Claimants Say
In a sworn affidavit by the suspended Chairman, Rev. Ben, the group insists that the Sole Administrator lacks the constitutional authority to suspend or replace them, describing such actions as a breach of due process and governance protocols.
Defendants Named in Suit
The suit names several defendants, including:
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Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.)
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Accountant General of Rivers State
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Access Bank
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Zenith Bank
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And 11 other parties allegedly involved in implementing or enabling the controversial suspension and appointments.
Legal and Political Implications
This development deepens the ongoing power struggle within Rivers State’s political structure, as legal battles over appointments and authority continue to unfold amid broader tensions involving the governor and other state actors.
