In a pending lawsuit, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has prohibited retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the only administrator, from appointing the recently confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.
After the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission, who were appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, adopted their final written addresses in a lawsuit, Justice Frank Onyiri issued the ruling.
The claimants are contesting the sole administrator’s decision to suspend them.
DAILY POST reports that Justice Onyiri, after directing all parties to maintain the status quo in an order issued in April 2024, adjourned the matter for judgment, fixed for September 29, 2025.
The claimants – Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome and three others – are contesting what they describe as their unlawful removal and replacement without due process.
They contend that the Rivers State House of Assembly properly appointed and confirmed them, and that the Clerk of the House already had records of their confirmation before the Governor sent out appointment letters.
The claimants maintain that the sole administrator is not legally able to suspend them or choose a new chairman and commission members, according to an affidavit deposed by Rev. Ben, the suspended chairman.
The state’s accountant general, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Ibas, the sole administrator, and eleven other parties are the defendants in this lawsuit.
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