Despite mounting criticism, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has gone ahead with the swearing-in of sole administrators for all twenty-three local government areas in the state.
The ceremony, held on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, was attended by the newly appointed officials, many of whom are reportedly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of jubilation as the administrators took their oaths of office.
However, the appointments have been met with stiff opposition. On April 7, the Pilex Center for Civic Education filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt seeking to halt the appointments. The group is challenging the legality of the move.
Justice Adamu Mohammed, who is presiding over the case, has summoned Ibas to appear in court to explain “why an interim injunction should not be granted to restrain him from proceeding with the appointments.” The case was adjourned to April 14 for hearing.
The suit was filed by Courage Nsirimovu, Coordinator of the Pilex Center.
