A Bold Decision… at a Delicate Time
Just hours before this announcement, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt scheduled April 14, 2025, to hear a legal challenge aimed at stopping these very appointments.
The suit, filed by human rights lawyer Courage Nsirimovu of the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative, questions the legality of the appointments and seeks to halt them altogether.
Yet, undeterred by the pending legal battle, the Rivers State Government pushed forward.
According to a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the appointments officially take effect on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Who’s in Charge Now? Meet the New LG Administrators
Here’s a quick look at the newly appointed LG administrators:
Abua/Odual: Mr Okroiyobi Animiete
Ahoada East: Mr Goodluck M. Ihenacho
Ahoada West: Mr Promise Jacob
Akuku Toru: Dr Tamunotonye Peters
Andoni: Surveyor Atajit Francis
Asari Toru: Barrister Ibiapuve Charles
Bonny: Mr Kingsley N. Banigo
Degema: Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis
Eleme: Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah
Emohua: Barr Franklin P. Ajinwon
Etche: Dr Onyemachi S. Nwankwor
Gokana: Prof. Gospel G. Kpee
Ikwerre: Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu
Khana: Dr Barinedum Nwibere
Obio Akpor: Dr Clifford Ndu Walter
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Dr Chukwuma Aje
Ogu/Bolo: Eliel Owubokiri
Okrika: Mr Thompson Isodiki
Omuma: Manager Ikechi Wala
Opobo/Nkoro: Mr Fred Apiafi
Oyigbo: Eletuuo Ihianacho
Port Harcourt: Dr Sam Kalagbor
Tai: Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah
A Quick Shake-Up at the Top
But that’s not all. The government also reconstituted several state boards and parastatals that were previously suspended.
Among the key appointments was the new leadership of the Rivers State Electoral Commission. Dr Micheal Ekpai Odey takes the helm as Chairman, joined by six other members—all distinguished academics and professionals.
Why Now? The Legal Backdrop
This flurry of appointments follows a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, which invalidated the October 5, 2024, LG elections in Rivers State.
That ruling left a leadership vacuum at the grassroots level—a situation the state government is clearly eager to fix.
However, the legal waters are far from calm. Justice Adamu Mohammed, while refraining from issuing a restraining order, directed that the state administrator must appear in court and explain why the appointments should not be halted.
His words? “It will serve the interest of justice to order the application to put the respondent on notice to appear and show cause…”
What This Means for Rivers State
This situation sets the stage for a dramatic showdown—both politically and legally. On one hand, there’s the urgency of governance and leadership at the local level.
On the other, there’s a very real question of legality and due process, which the court must resolve.
As April 14 approaches, all eyes are on Port Harcourt. Will the courts uphold the appointments? Or will this bold move by Ibas be rolled back?
One thing’s for sure: Rivers State is entering a new chapter, and it’s already turning heads.
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