posted 9th April 2025
Rivers State Administrator Defies Court Order with Controversial LGA Appointments
Port Harcourt, 9 April 2025 – In a contentious move that has sparked widespread debate, Rivers State Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas has appointed sole administrators for all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in defiance of a court order explicitly prohibiting such actions. The appointments, announced amid ongoing political tensions, have raised questions about the state’s adherence to the rule of law and democratic principles.
The appointment of sole administrators to oversee LGAs is a peculiar and unwelcome development in any democracy, where elected officials are typically entrusted with local governance. Critics argue that this decision undermines the democratic process, concentrating power in the hands of appointees loyal to the Administrator rather than representatives chosen by the people. The new LGA administrators include Mr Okroiyobi Animete for Abua/Odual, Mr Goodluck Iheanacho for Ahoada East, Mr Promise Jacob for Ahoada West, and Dr Sam Kalagbor for Port Harcourt, among others.
Adding to the controversy, Ibas named Michael Odey as the new Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). This appointment comes at a critical time as the state prepares for future elections, with many questioning whether the RSIEC can restore public confidence in the electoral process under such contentious circumstances.
In another significant move, the Administrator approved the reconstitution of several Boards of State Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals, which had been suspended during the state’s political upheaval. While Ibas claims these actions are aimed at stabilising governance, they have been met with scepticism by those who view them as an overreach of authority.
The controversy surrounding Ibas’ actions has escalated to the national stage, with reports indicating that approximately 11 governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have approached the Supreme Court to seek his removal as Sole Administrator. The governors argue that Ibas’ appointment and subsequent actions, including the recent LGA appointments, violate legal and democratic norms, further destabilising Rivers State.
The defiance of the court order has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and civil society groups, who warn that such actions could erode public trust in the judiciary and governance institutions. “The appointment of sole administrators in the face of a court injunction is not only a challenge to the rule of law but also a troubling signal for democracy in Rivers State,” said a Port Harcourt-based legal analyst.
Public reactions have been mixed, with some residents expressing frustration over the lack of elected local leadership, while others hope the new appointees might bring temporary stability. However, the broader sentiment underscores growing unease about the state’s political trajectory.
Full List of LGA Sole Administrators:
Abua/Odual LGA – Mr Okroiyobi Animete
Ahoada East LGA – Mr Goodluck Iheanacho
Ahoada West LGA – Mr Promise Jacob
Akuku Toru LGA – Dr Tamunotonye Peters
Andoni LGA – Surveyor Ataji Francis
Asari-Toru – Barrister Ibiapuye Charles
Bonny LGA – Mr Kingsley N Banigo
Degema LGA – Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis
Eleme LGA – Dr Gloria Obo-Dibiah
Emohua LGA – Barrister Franklin P Ajiwon
Etche LGA – Dr Onyenachi S Nwankwor
Gokana LGA – Professor Gospel G Kpee
Ikwerre LGA – Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu
Khana LGA – Dr Barinedum Nwibere
Obio/Akpor LGA – Dr Clifford Ndu Walter
Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Dr Chukwuma Aje
Ogu/Bolo LGA – Eliel Owubokiri
Okrika LGA – Mr Thompson Isodiki
Omuma LGA – Manager Ikechi Wala
Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Mr Fred Apiafi
Oyigbo LGA – Mr Eletuo Ihanacho
Port Harcourt LGA – Dr Sam Kalagbor
Tai LGA – Mr Nuka O.S Gbipah
As Rivers State grapples with this latest chapter of political drama, the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge and the impact of these appointments will likely shape the state’s governance landscape for months to come. For now, residents remain cautiously watchful, hoping for a resolution that prioritises democracy and the rule of law.
