Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt is set to deliver judgment on Thursday, October 2, in a suit filed by the sacked chairman and members of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission. The case challenges their removal by former Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas.
The claimants—Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others—were appointed and sworn in by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They contend that their removal was unlawful, arguing that Ibas acted without due process in attempting to replace them.
According to the claimants, their appointments were confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, and records of this confirmation were with the Clerk of the House before they received letters of appointment from the governor.
In an affidavit signed by the suspended chairman, Iduoku Ben, the claimants asserted that the Sole Administrator lacked the legal authority to suspend them or appoint a new chairman and members of the commission.
Earlier in the proceedings, Justice Frank Onyiri barred Ibas from inaugurating new appointees and ordered that the status quo be maintained pending the court’s judgment.
The case, initially scheduled for judgment, was mentioned in court on Monday, prompting Justice Onyiri to grant additional time and adjourn the matter to Thursday, October 2, 2025.
The defendants in the suit include the former Sole Administrator, representing the state government, the Accountant General, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven others.
The outcome of the case is expected to clarify the legal standing of appointments and removals within the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission.