Legal Battle Halts Installation of New Chairman, Members of Rivers State Commission

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has restrained Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of the state, from inaugurating the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.

The court issued the order on Monday, July 14, 2025, directing the state government to halt the inauguration of the appointees pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the appointments. The suit was filed by the sacked members of the Rivers State Services Commission who were appointed under the administration of suspended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

Presiding Judge Frank Onyiri delivered the ruling after both parties presented and adopted their final written addresses in the ongoing suit. The court also ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and adjourned the matter to September 29 for judgment.

The claimants—Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others—argue that their removal by the Sole Administrator was illegal and lacked due process. They insist that Ibas had no legal authority to suspend them or appoint a new chairman and members of the commission.

According to the affidavit of suspended Chairman Goodlife Iduoku Ben, the claimants were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. Their confirmation records were properly lodged with the Clerk of the House before appointment letters were issued by the Governor. The claimants maintain that the Sole Administrator acted beyond his powers, and their removal violates established legal procedures.

This ruling has temporarily paused the installation of new officials in the Rivers State Services Commission, heightening attention on the ongoing dispute over the legality of the appointments.