Court Orders Freeze On Appointment OF LGA Administrators By Rivers Administrator Ibas

The court’s decision followed a lawsuit filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Msirimovu, against Ibas in his official capacity. Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed granted the interim order after reviewing the ex parte motion submitted on March 28, 2025.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed confirmed the validity of the applicant’s request for the injunction and other reliefs, setting April 14, 2025, for the hearing of the main case.

The leadership crisis in Rivers State stems from the expiration of the tenure of elected local government chairmen in June 2023. These chairmen, initially elected under former Governor Nyesom Wike, sought a tenure extension, which was granted by 27 state lawmakers loyal to Wike. Upon assuming office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara dissolved the councils and appointed caretaker chairmen, igniting a political conflict between Fubara’s faction and Wike’s loyalists.

Despite ongoing tensions, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) proceeded with local government elections on October 5, 2024. However, the APC faction loyal to Wike, led by Tony Okocha, contested the RSIEC’s actions in court, culminating in a February 28, 2025, Supreme Court ruling that favored their side.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Fubara removed the elected chairmen and placed interim leadership at the head of local councils. His decision was met with opposition from the APC and a group of defected lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule, who accused Fubara’s camp of targeting RSIEC officials and violating constitutional procedures.

Supporters of Governor Fubara had anticipated the appointment of new local government administrators, but the court’s ruling prevents this, citing that such an act would be unconstitutional. The case is now set for further hearings on April 14, 2025.