A Rivers State High Court has stopped the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating the newly confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission pending the court’s judgment on the substantive suit.
The court’s order was issued after the parties addressed and adopted their final written addresses on the suit filed by the chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission, challenging their suspension by Ibas.
The claimants, Goodlife Ben, Amadi Echele, Chimenem Jerome, and three others, contend that they were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that the Sole Administrator lacks the legal powers to suspend and replace them.
They argue that their appointment letters were issued by the suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara after their confirmation records were submitted to the House Clerk.
The court, presided over by Justice Frank Onyiri, ordered the parties to maintain the existing status quo and adjourned the matter till September 29, 2025, for judgment.
This development has significant implications for the governance and administration of the state, particularly in the Rivers State Services Commission.
The suspension of the commission’s members by the Sole Administrator had sparked controversy, with the affected individuals seeking judicial intervention to protect their rights and interests.
The court’s decision has brought a temporary reprieve to the suspended members, who can now await the court’s judgment on the matter.
