By John Umeh
Despite a Federal High Court order restraining him, Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has appointed administrators for all 23 local government areas (LGAs) in the state. The court had previously issued an interim injunction halting such appointments due to ongoing legal disputes over local governance structures.
The controversy traces back to June 2023, when the tenures of elected local council chairmen expired. Efforts to extend their terms led to political upheaval, culminating in the appointment of a sole administrator by the federal government. This move intensified debates over the constitutionality of local governance appointments during the state of emergency.
The recent appointments by Vice Admiral Ibas, made despite the court’s injunction, have further complicated the political landscape in Rivers State, raising questions about adherence to judicial rulings and the legality of governance actions under the current state of emergency.
