By: Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt

Despite a Federal High Court order restraining him from appointing sole administrators to oversee local government councils in Rivers State, the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has proceeded to name administrators for all 23 local government areas in the state.

In addition to the local council appointments, Ibas also reconstituted the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), naming a new chairman and commissioners to oversee the body. The announcements were made in a statement issued at midnight by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, who noted that the appointments take immediate effect.

Among those appointed to head the various local government councils are Okroiyobi Animiete for Abua/Odual, Goodluck M. Ihenacho for Ahoada East, Promise Jacob for Ahoada West, Tamunotonye Peters for Akuku Toru, Atajit Francis for Andoni, Ibiapuye Charles for Asari Toru, Kingsley N. Banigo for Bonny, Sokari Ibifuro Francis for Degema, Gloria Obo Dibiah for Eleme, and Franklin P. Ajinwon for Emohua.

Others include Onyemachi S. Nwankwor for Etche, Gospel G. Kpee for Gokana, Isaiah Christian Nobuawu for Ikwerre, Barinedum Nwibere for Khana, Clifford Ndu Walter for Obio Akpor, Chukwuma Aje for Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eliel Owubokiri for Ogu/Bolo, Thompson Isodiki for Okrika, Manager Ikechi Wala for Omuma, Fred Apiafi for Opobo/Nkoro, Eletuuo Ihianacho for Oyigbo, Sam Kalagbor for Port Harcourt, and Nuka O. S. Gbipah for Tai.

In the reconstituted RSIEC, Dr Michael Ekpai Odey was named as Chairman. The newly appointed commissioners are Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Author Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaninwor, Dr (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.

The government also announced the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which were previously suspended.

Since assuming office following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Ibas has taken a series of controversial decisions. These include the dismissal of all political appointees appointed by the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the suspension of leadership across state boards and agencies, and now plans to present a fresh 2025 budget for the state.

These moves have been widely criticised by political analysts, economists and civil society organisations, who argue that the Sole Administrator is acting beyond his constitutional limits. Many warn that such actions could further inflame tensions and destabilise the already fragile political climate in the state.