The Rivers State Government has appointed administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), despite a Supreme Court judgment nullifying the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
The appointments, approved by the state’s Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, took effect on April 7, 2025. They were announced alongside the reconstitution of key boards, agencies, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The move comes amid legal opposition. Human rights lawyer Courage Nsirimovu filed a suit seeking to halt the appointments. While no restraining order was issued, Justice Adamu Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt directed the state to appear and respond.
“I am of the view that it will serve the interest of justice to order the application to put the respondent on notice to appear and show cause why the application (to stop the appointment of administrators in the 23 LGAs) should not be granted,” the judge stated.
A hearing is scheduled for April 14, 2025.