Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has fixed April 10 for hearing in the suit seeking to sack Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
This emerged as Ibas has solicited requisite legislative backing that would enable his administration to achieve the enunciated programmes of action.
The suit filed by an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr. JohnmaryJideobi, last week, was assigned to Justice James Omotosho for determination.
While President Bola Tinubu, is the 1st defendant, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, rtd, as well as Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the federation, were listed as 2nd to 39th defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025.
Jideobi predicated his demand on the grounds that the appointment of a sole administrator to run a state was unconstitutional, null and void.
“I have instituted this suit in the public interest, in the defence of the Rule of Law and accentuation of the supremacy of the Constitution and to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution which is the most sacred document that holds the Nigerian State in balance and in being.
“I am genuinely worried that, in the absence of the intervention of this Court, removal of duly elected Governors and Deputy-Governors, may become the pastime of the President thereby opening the floodgate of anarchy capable of consuming this nation,” the lawyer claimed in his affidavit in support of the suit.
Besides, the lawyer argued that while the president is constitutionally empowered to declare a “state of emergency” in any part of the country, he lacked the necessary powers to suspend an elected state official.
It would be recalled that President Tinubu had recently suspended the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly for six months, shortly after declaring a state of emergency to curb perceived threat to life and destruction of property.
Tinubu subsequently appointed Ibas to run the affairs of the state pending when peace would return.
However, the lawyer who considered the action of the President as illegal is therefore asking the court to among others, declare as void, “all actions and decisions (howsoever described or made] of the 3rd Defendant Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) in the name of Sole Administrator of Rivers State, same being unconstitutional, null and of no constitutional force throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria for all purposes.”
The plaintiff further prayed the court to issue a perpetual order of injunction, restraining the 1st defendant (Tinubu, either by himself, his officers, agents, privies, servants or any other person acting under his command howsoever named, “from either removing, suspending or otherwise tampering with the tenure of the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Rivers State [and indeed any other State in Nigeria).”
Meanwhile, Ibas while receiving the federal lawmakers mentioned such programmes to include ensuring uninterrupted socioeconomic activities and the provision of vital infrastructure that will support societal and economic growth, boost productivity, facilitate access to essential services and ultimately provide quality living for the people.
Ibas made the appeal on Friday, when the Senate Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, paid a courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Senate Committee on Works was accompanied by a delegation of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, led by the managing Director, Dr. Peer Lubasch.
The administrator stated that their visit demonstrated the commitment of the National Assembly to the well-being of Rivers State and her people.
Ibas emphasised that his administration has continued to address issues of insecurity, and the infrastructural challenges that are critical to development.
“We are in the process of putting together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, as well as the continued infrastructural development of our state.
“We have worked diligently to ensure that this process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly, expediting. The new budget, which is nearing finalisation, focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology.
“As we moved forward with these initiatives, we need your continued support to help us secure necessary resources and legislative backing to bring them to fruition. Your partnership is critical to our success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations,” Ibas said.
He told the delegation that as they undertake the oversight duties to assess critical infrastructure in the state, it is important for them to address their minds to the position that Rivers State occupies in the country.
He said: “Rivers State, the treasure base of the nation and a key economic hub of the nation is home to vital infrastructure including roads, bridges, sea and air ports, oil and gas facilities, a Petro-chemical company, refineries and other essential facilities.
“However, as in most states of the nation, we are faced with challenges of maintaining and expanding this infrastructure due to various factors, including but not limited to resource constraints.”
The administrator requested their cooperation in securing the necessary federal support for infrastructural projects in the State.
He said: “You have listed most of the projects that are ongoing presently. These include both financial backing and the facilitation of speedy execution of federal projects that will contribute to our state’s growth.
“Your continued advocacy within the National Assembly will be instrumental in ensuring that Rivers State receives the attention and resources needed to succeed.”
Ibas explained that since assumption of office on the 20 of March, 2025, he has prioritised the restoration of peace and stability in Rivers State.
He said the efforts have, so far, been focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, development and prosperity.
“We have engaged in productive consultation with key stakeholders, such as civil society organisations, traditional rulers, local government heads, government officials and civil servants to restore the trust and stability needed for sustainable progress.
“I believe that with your support and continued collaboration, we can transform Rivers State into a model of peace, prosperity and development. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and create a future that is bright for all our people.”
In his address, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi, said they were in the state to oversee some ongoing federal projects like the Bodo-Bonny link road and bridge, and the Coastal road project which is 40 per cent complete, and will benefit the State, eventually.
Mpigi noted the intervention role the state of emergency plays in Rivers and urged the Administrator to do his best in ensuring that critical infrastructure is secure while lives and properties of residents are protected.
