Rivers Sole Administrator Defies Court Order, Swears In Civil Service Commission Members
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has inaugurated new members of the Civil Service Commission despite a subsisting court order restraining him.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas conducted the swearing-in on Monday, ignoring a warning by the court to maintain the status quo.
He also inaugurated members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board.
“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability.
“Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” Ibas said.
Justice Frank Onyiri had cautioned the sole administrator against the move after parties in the case adopted their final written addresses.
The case was filed by Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others.
They were members of the commission appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
They argued that the sole administrator lacked legal powers to remove them and appoint new members.
After handing the order on Monday, Justice Onyiri cautioned all parties “to maintain the status quo” and adjourned the case to 29 September for judgement.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
