Judiciary denies blocking inauguration of Rivers Services Commission members

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has allegedly issued an order restraining the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating the newly confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.

The court’s decision was made because the matter is currently pending before the court and is yet to be determined.

HOWEVER, the Rivers State Judiciary has denied that Justice Onyiri issued an injunction restraining the Sole Administrator from inaugurating the newly confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation) of the High Court, Menenen Poromon, the judiciary described the report as “malicious, mendacious, and bereft of any modicum of truth.”

The statement emphasised that no such order has been made by Justice Onyiri or any other Judge of the High Court of Rivers State.

Poromon, therefore, urged members of the public to verify information concerning the High Court of Rivers State from the office of the Chief Registrar, rather than relying on social media reports.

The initial suit was instituted by Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others, who are the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission appointed by the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The claimants are challenging their suspension by the Sole Administrator, arguing that it was done without due process and that they were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Justice Frank Onyiri, presiding over the court, allegedly issued the caution after parties addressed and adopted their final written addresses on the suit.

The judge had previously ordered parties to maintain the status quo in April 2025, adjourning the case till September 29, 2025, for judgment.

The claimants insist that the Sole Administrator lacks the legal powers to suspend them and appoint a new Chairman and members of the commission.