A legal challenge has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the removal of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The lawsuit, initiated by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, argues that Ibas’ appointment is unconstitutional. The suit names President Bola Tinubu as the first defendant, alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states.
The plaintiff is asking the court to declare Ibas’ appointment null and void, asserting that only the conditions outlined in the 1999 Constitution can justify the removal of a duly elected governor and deputy governor.
Jideobi is also requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent the president from appointing sole administrators to any state government, arguing that such actions violate the principles of federalism and the separation of powers.
The lawsuit further calls for Ibas’ immediate removal from the Rivers State Government House and the reinstatement of the suspended governor and deputy governor.
The plaintiff warns that allowing the president to replace elected officials with appointees could set a dangerous precedent, threatening Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. No hearing date has been set for the case.
