A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has barred the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), from inaugurating the newly confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission until a ruling is delivered in an ongoing legal dispute.
Presiding Judge, Justice Frank Onyiri, issued the order on Monday following the adoption of final written arguments by all parties involved.
The case was brought by former commission members appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who are contesting their removal by the Sole Administrator.
In a prior ruling in April 2025, the court directed both parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the matter.
Justice Onyiri has adjourned the case until 29 September 2025 for final judgment.
The claimants—Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others—argued that their appointments were validly made and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, supported by official appointment letters.
They further asserted that confirmation documents had been submitted to the Clerk of the House, which, they claimed, solidified the legality of their positions.
In a sworn affidavit, Reverend Ben maintained that Vice Admiral Ibas lacked the legal authority to suspend them or to appoint a new commission.
The lawsuit names the Sole Administrator, the Rivers State Accountant General, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and 11 other parties as defendants.
The court’s interim order aims to protect the judicial process and ensure the legality of the state’s interim leadership actions is properly examined before further steps are taken.