A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order restraining the Sole Administrator of the state, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating the newly confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.
The decision follows a pending legal challenge brought by Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others, who were appointed to the commission by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The claimants argue that their suspension was carried out without due process and in breach of their lawful appointments, which had been ratified by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Frank Onyiri confirmed that all parties had adopted their final written addresses and adjourned the case to 29 September 2025 for judgment. He reiterated that the court had previously directed all sides to maintain the status quo since April.
According to an affidavit sworn by the suspended chairman, records of the claimants’ confirmation were filed with the Clerk of the House before their letters of appointment were issued by the Governor.
The defendants in the case include the state’s Sole Administrator, the Accountant General, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven other entities. Until the court delivers its judgment in September, the current leadership of the commission remains in legal limbo.
(NAN)