BREAKING: Court Stops Ibas from Swearing in New Rivers State Service Commission Chairmen

Court Stops Ibas from Swearing in New Rivers State Service Commission Chairmen

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order barring the Sole Administrator of the state, Ibok-Ete Ibas, from swearing in the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Service Commission.

The decision follows a legal challenge brought by six former commission members—Goodlife Ben, Amadi Echele, Chimenem Jerome, and three others—who are contesting their removal from office and the planned appointment of replacements by Ibas.

The affected individuals were originally appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose tenure is currently suspended. The plaintiffs argue that their appointments were lawful, having been confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, and that their removal was unconstitutional.

During the latest court hearing, both parties presented and adopted their written submissions before Justice Frank Onyiri. The judge subsequently ruled that the status quo be maintained until the court delivers a final verdict. The matter was adjourned to September 29, 2025, for judgment.

In their submission, the claimants insisted that their appointments were valid and supported by confirmation records held by the Clerk of the House. They further asserted that Ibok-Ete Ibas lacks the legal authority to suspend or replace them in the absence of due process.

Listed as defendants in the case are Sole Administrator Ibas, the Accountant-General of the state, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven others.

The ruling temporarily blocks any administrative action that would alter the current composition of the commission, preserving the legal rights of the plaintiffs pending the court’s final decision.