Rivers State Sole Administrator Ibas Swears in Newly Appointed LG Chairmen in Defiance of Court

In a significant political development, the Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has officially inaugurated the newly appointed administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state despite a court order barring him from appointing administrators in the LGs.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, marked a new chapter in the state’s grassroots governance and local administration.

The newly installed LGA chairmen are expected to assume immediate responsibility for local governance, service delivery, and implementation of developmental policies in their respective councils.

Administrator Ibas, while addressing the appointees, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and dedication to public service.

He urged the new council heads to prioritize the welfare of their people, maintain peace and security, and align their initiatives with the state government’s broader agenda for socio-economic development.

The ex parte motion, filed on March 28, 2025, sought several reliefs, the first of which was an order of interim injunction restraining the respondent or his agents from appointing a sole administrator or any equivalent position for the 23 Local Government Areas. They also requested any other orders deemed necessary under the circumstances.