NGO Drags Rivers State Administrator, Others to Court Over LG Elections
A non-governmental organisation, the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, has instituted legal action against the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Attorney General of the state, and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), challenging the legality of the planned August 30 local government elections.
The suit, filed before the Rivers State High Court and presided over by Justice Else Thompson, questions whether the 1st Defendant, who is not the Governor of Rivers State, can lawfully exercise executive powers reserved for the Governor under Sections 176(1) and (2), 197(1) and (3), and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), particularly regarding the appointment of RSIEC Board members.
The legal action was initiated through an originating summons filed by Port Harcourt-based lawyer Chizi Enyi, who is representing the NGO. The claimants are asking the court to declare that the Sole Administrator’s nomination, appointment, constitution, and presentation of RSIEC Board members—allegedly carried out in May 2025—are unconstitutional, invalid, and of no effect.
In suit number PHC/2293/CS/2025, the group also seeks an order nullifying all actions taken by the purported RSIEC Board, including ongoing preparations for the upcoming elections. They are demanding that the court issue a perpetual injunction restraining the Sole Administrator from further assuming the Governor’s constitutional powers.
Additionally, the claimants are asking for a perpetual injunction to prevent the Attorney General, the RSIEC, and its members from recognizing or acting on the appointments allegedly made by the Sole Administrator.
The group is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to pay ₦10 million in general and aggravated damages.
Court documents reviewed by our correspondent show that the defendants are expected to file an appearance within 21 days of being served the summons.
