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By Oscar Okhifo
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has halted the planned inauguration of newly appointed members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), pending the outcome of a legal dispute over the removal of the previous occupants of the office.
The restraining order was issued on Monday, July 14, by Justice Frank Onyiri following an application brought before the court by the ousted commission members.
Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and others are challenging what they described as their unlawful removal from office.
The claimants, all of whom were appointed during the tenure of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, argued that their tenures remain valid and that any attempt to replace them without due process is unconstitutional and politically motivated.
In their motion, they asked the court to intervene and prevent the state Government from inaugurating any replacements while their suit remains unresolved.
They also raised concerns that the state’s Accountant-General and certain commercial banks might facilitate the funding and implementation of the disputed appointments, prompting the court to extend the restraining order to those parties as well.
The defendants in the suit include the Rivers State Government, Vice Admiral Ibas, the Accountant-General of the state, and commercial banks such as Access Bank and Zenith Bank, which were all listed for their potential roles in enabling financial transactions related to the new appointments.
Justice Onyiri, in his ruling, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive case. He noted that allowing the inauguration to proceed would render the suit nugatory and cause irreparable damage to the rights of the claimants.
Legal observers say the case could become a litmus test for how far the Sole Administrator can go in restructuring state institutions without legislative backing or the consent of the original appointing authorities.
Meanwhile, the political climate in Rivers State remains tense, with mounting legal battles and public debate surrounding the scope and legitimacy of Ibas’ authority since assuming office under controversial circumstances.
The matter has been adjourned to September 29, 2025, for final judgment. The ruling adds to a growing list of legal challenges confronting Ibas’ administration, highlighting deepening divisions over governance, legality, and the fate of democratic institutions in the state.