In a dramatic political development, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed 23 Local Government Administrators across the state. This move, made despite a court injunction, has stirred significant legal and public discourse. In this article, we break down the events, list the newly appointed LG administrators, and examine the implications of this controversial decision. Keep reading to see the full list of names and understand the wider context.
Background of the Appointment Controversy
On April 8, 2025, a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, under Justice Adam Muhammed, issued a restraining order against the appointment of new local government administrators in Rivers State. The case, filed by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, directly challenged the Sole Administrator’s authority following the dissolution of elected councils.
Despite this legal restraint, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas announced the appointment of new administrators, claiming executive necessity and urgency in filling the local governance vacuum. The official announcement was released through Prof. Ibibia Worika, Secretary to the State Government.
List of Appointed Local Government Administrators in Rivers State
Here is the complete list of the 23 individuals appointed to oversee the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State:
| S/N | Name | Local Government Area (LGA) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr Okroiyobi Animete | Abua/Odual LGA |
| 2 | Mr Goodluck M. Iheanacho | Ahoada East LGA |
| 3 | Mr Promise Jacob | Ahoada West LGA |
| 4 | Dr Tamunotonye Peters | Akuku Toru LGA |
| 5 | Surveyor Atajit Francis | Andoni LGA |
| 6 | Barrister Ibiapuve Charles | Asari-Toru LGA |
| 7 | Mr Kingsley N. Banigo | Bonny LGA |
| 8 | Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis | Degema LGA |
| 9 | Dr Gloria Obo-Dibiah | Eleme LGA |
| 10 | Barrister Franklin P. Ajinwon | Emohua LGA |
| 11 | Dr Onyenachi S. Nwankwor | Etche LGA |
| 12 | Professor Gospel G. Kpee | Gokana LGA |
| 13 | Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu | Ikwerre LGA |
| 14 | Dr Barinedum Nwibere | Khana LGA |
| 15 | Dr Clifford Ndu Walter | Obio/Akpor LGA |
| 16 | Dr Chukwuma Aje | Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA |
| 17 | Eliel Owubokiri | Ogu/Bolo LGA |
| 18 | Mr Thompson Isodiki | Okrika LGA |
| 19 | Manager Ikechi Wala | Omuma LGA |
| 20 | Mr Fred Apiafi | Opobo/Nkoro LGA |
| 21 | Mr Eletuoo Iheanacho | Oyigbo LGA |
| 22 | Dr Sam Kalagbor | Port Harcourt LGA |
| 23 | Mr Nuka O. S. Gbibah | Tai LGA |
Implications of the Court Defiance
Defying a court order carries significant legal risks and undermines judicial authority. Legal experts suggest that the appointments could be challenged in court, leading to potential nullification. Moreover, the move sets a controversial precedent in governance where judicial rulings are bypassed under executive discretion.
Additionally, political observers are concerned about the growing tension between legal institutions and the state executive, potentially leading to a broader constitutional crisis.
Government’s Justification and Further Actions
According to the state’s press release, the appointments were deemed essential to maintain local government operations. The Sole Administrator also:
- Reconstituted suspended boards and commissions.
- Cancelled all pending tenders and procurement activities across MDAs.
- Ordered refund of all tender fees to contractors affected by the cancellation.
These actions were attributed to the absence of a valid appropriation law and a directive from a recent Supreme Court judgment.
What you should know
The appointment of 23 LGA administrators in Rivers State despite a court injunction is a bold and controversial political move. While the administrators have officially assumed their roles, the legal battles are far from over. As the situation unfolds, both legal experts and political analysts will closely monitor the impact of this decision on governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
