In defiance of mounting criticism and an ongoing legal challenge, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Friday officially swore in all twenty-three newly appointed administrators for the state’s local government areas.
The ceremony, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was marked by jubilant scenes, with viral videos on social media showing celebratory moments among the appointees—many of whom are believed to be political loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The swearing-in comes amid controversy and a pending lawsuit filed by the Pilex Center for Civic Education. The human rights group, through its coordinator Courage Nsirimovu, approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on April 7, seeking to halt the appointments and questioning their legality.
In response to the suit, Justice Adamu Mohammed summoned the Sole Administrator to appear in court and explain why an interim injunction should not be granted to restrain him from moving forward with the appointments. The case has been adjourned to April 14 for hearing.
Despite the legal uncertainties, the state government appears determined to push ahead with the appointments, fueling debate over executive authority and the rule of law in the oil-rich state.
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