In a significant development hailed as a win for democratic governance, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has issued a restraining order against the appointment of sole administrators for the 23 local government areas (LGAs) in Rivers State.
The court’s decision directly affects Ibok-Ete Ibas, the recently appointed sole administrator of the state, whose actions had sparked outrage and legal resistance among civic groups and local leaders.
Background: Court Intervenes Amid Growing Tensions
The legal action was initiated by the PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative, a civil society organization led by activist Courage Msirimovu. The group approached the court with a motion ex parte filed on March 28, 2025, requesting an immediate halt to what they described as an undemocratic move to override elected leadership at the local level.
The group asked the court to bar Ibok-Ete Ibas or any representative acting on his behalf from appointing individuals under any title — including sole administrators — to head local councils for an initial period of six months.
Pay Attention To: Tinubu Has Borrowed More Than Past Leaders, Yet Nothing to Show – APC Senator Ndume Slams Presidency on Arise TV
Court Ruling: A Temporary Halt to Power Grab
Presiding Judge, Justice Adamu Turaki Muhammed, reviewed the motion and agreed that there was sufficient basis to issue an interim order. The court ruled that no sole administrators should be appointed until a full hearing is held.
“The court finds merit in the plaintiff’s motion and therefore grants a temporary injunction pending further hearing,” the ruling stated.
The case has been adjourned to April 14, 2025, for a substantive hearing, where arguments from all sides will be fully presented.
Why This Matters for Rivers State and Nigeria
The ruling marks a significant moment in the fight to preserve local government autonomy in Nigeria. The move to install unelected officials to manage councils was seen by many as a threat to democratic structures and an attempt to centralize control under the guise of administrative oversight.
Don’t Miss : Trade War Looms: U.S. Slams Nigeria’s Import Ban on 25 Products (Full List)
Key Issues at Stake:
| Issue | Concern |
|---|---|
| Local Government Autonomy | Undermined by appointment of unelected administrators |
| Federalism & Democracy | Centralization contradicts democratic decentralization |
| Legal Oversight | Civic groups playing active roles in governance checks |
Public Reaction and Ongoing Watch
Residents and political observers across Rivers State have praised the court’s decision, calling it a timely intervention that safeguards democracy at the grassroots.
“This is a major victory for the people of Rivers and for democracy,” said Msirimovu. “We must protect our institutions from executive overreach.”
Meanwhile, the Tinubu administration’s involvement, through the appointment of Ibas, has drawn further scrutiny amid rising concerns over federal influence in state matters.
A Win for Democratic Institutions
The temporary court injunction against sole administrators in Rivers State is being celebrated as a pivotal legal win for democratic governance. As Nigerians await the full hearing on April 14, civil society, political leaders, and the public are watching closely to see whether this ruling will set a lasting precedent for local government integrity in Nigeria.
