Rivers Administrator Names 23 LG Heads Despite Court Order

Powerful Shake-Up: Rivers Administrator Appoints 23 LG Heads Despite Court Ban

The political temperature in Rivers State just hit a boiling point.

Despite a Federal High Court order restraining the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, from appointing new local government executives, he went ahead and named 23 Local Government Area (LGA) administrators across the state.

This decision flies in the face of a court injunction issued Tuesday, April 8, 2025, by Justice Adam Muhammed in suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025. The case was filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu. The civic group had challenged the legality of the administrator’s powers to unilaterally make such appointments without due process.

Still, just 24 hours after the court spoke, the government replied in action.

A special government announcement issued early Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, confirmed the appointments. The statement, which has since circulated widely online and in media houses, declared that the appointments took immediate effect.

The public statement read: “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.”

While critics call the move a direct violation of judicial orders, supporters say it’s a necessary step to restore order and governance in the councils, following months of tension and administrative limbo.

The appointments span all 23 LGAs, including key areas like Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Khana. Notably, the appointees come from mixed professional backgrounds, including surveyors, legal practitioners, educationists, and political aides.

Among the names announced are:

1. Mr Okroiyobi Animete – Abua/Odual LGA
2. Mr Goodluck M Iheanacho – Ahoada East LGA
3. Mr Promise Jacob – Ahoada West LGA
4. Dr Tamunotonye Peters – Akuku Toru LGA
5. Surveyor Ataji Francis – Andoni LGA
6. Barrister Ihpayeu Charles – Asari-Toru LGA
7. Mr Kingsley N Batigo – Bonny LGA
8. Dr Sekari Ibifuro Francis – Degema LGA
9. Dr Gloria Obo-Dibiah – Eleme LGA
10. Barrister Francis M Ajiriyowu – Emohua LGA
11. Dr Onyeanusi Nwakwo – Etche LGA
12. Professor Gospel C Kpewe – Gokana LGA
13. Dr Baribefe Walter – Ikwerre LGA
14. Dr Bartholemew Nnahere – Khana LGA
15. Chief Clifford Nw Waller – Obia/Akpor LGA
16. Hon Blessing Olaka – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
17. Efel Owukoniki – Ogu/Bolo LGA
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18. Mr Thompson Joseph – Okrika LGA
19. Manager Itchi Wala – Omuma LGA
20. Mr Highe Ezekiel – Opobo/Nkoro LGA
21. Mr Theophilus Ibinimohbo – Oyigbo LGA
22. Dr Sam Kalighor – Port Harcourt LGA
23. Mr Nuka O S Gbahah – Tai LGA

Legal experts and constitutional analysts have raised concerns over the implications of this move. Some argue that the administrator’s defiance of court orders could worsen the already fragile relationship between the judiciary and executive arms in Rivers State.

“This is not just a legal issue. It’s about respect for the rule of law,” said Ekeocha Worlu, a constitutional lawyer based in Port Harcourt. “A government that defies court orders sets a dangerous precedent. It weakens democracy.”

Others defend the decision as an emergency measure to prevent a vacuum in local governance.

Supporters of the move highlight that service delivery at the grassroots level had ground to a halt since the tenure of former council chairmen expired. They believe these new appointees can restore basic public services and push development projects that had stalled due to leadership uncertainty.

What’s not in dispute is that the state remains divided.

On the streets of Port Harcourt and across social media, opinions are split. While some see it as bold leadership, others label it impunity.

“This is not democracy. This is dictatorship wearing a borrowed robe,” a youth activist posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We demand accountability and a return to constitutional order.”

Political watchers are keeping a close eye on the next steps from the judiciary. Will the court react to this perceived disregard? Will there be legal sanctions or further injunctions? Or will the appointments quietly take root, with time papering over the controversy?

The appointments also come on the heels of another bold move by Ibas — the reconstitution of several state agencies, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which he had earlier dissolved after taking charge as Sole Administrator.

Observers note that RSIEC plays a pivotal role in supervising local elections, and its reconstitution might suggest plans for eventual polls — though no timeline has been announced.

For now, the dust remains unsettled.

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has once again demonstrated his resolve to press ahead with governance despite legal hurdles. Whether this action strengthens his legacy or fuels further unrest in the state remains to be seen.

But one thing is certain: Rivers politics has entered a new and unpredictable chapter.