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Court To Fix Date To Hear Suit Against Rivers Administrator, Ibas, Tinubu, Others

Published

1 month ago

Apr 5, 2025.

Court To Fix Date To Hear Suit Against Rivers Administrator, Ibas, Tinubu, Others.
Plaintiff argues President’s action violates Nigeria’s Constitution.
Suit seeks removal of Sole Administrator, reinstatement of elected leaders.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 10, 2025, to hear a suit seeking to remove Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.

The suit, filed by Abuja-based legal practitioner Johnmary Jideobi, contests the constitutionality of Ibas’s appointment and the suspension of the elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State. Jideobi argues that the action undermines Nigeria’s constitutional framework for governance.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, lists President Bola Tinubu as the first defendant, alongside the Attorney General of the Federation and the Attorneys-General of all 36 states.

In the originating processes, Jideobi insists that the President lacks constitutional powers to suspend or remove an elected governor or deputy governor, citing sections of the 1999 Constitution that protect the tenure of elected officials. He describes the creation of a “Sole Administrator” position and the appointment of Ibas as unconstitutional and a violation of federalism and the separation of powers.

According to the affidavit, Jideobi maintains there is no provision in the Constitution for the establishment of a Sole Administrator in any state. He warns that such appointments, if unchecked, could destabilize Nigeria’s democratic structure and create room for arbitrary removal of elected leaders.

The plaintiff is seeking several declarations from the court, including an affirmation that only the specific circumstances outlined under Sections 180, 188, 189, and 306 of the Constitution can terminate or interrupt the tenure of a governor.

Additionally, Jideobi requests an order barring President Tinubu from appointing Sole Administrators in any state, describing the move as a potential threat to constitutional democracy.

“This is in defense of the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution. If not checked, the unchecked removal of duly elected governors and deputy governors could create a constitutional crisis,” Jideobi stated in his affidavit.

Suit Against Rivers Administrator

He urged the court to set aside the suspension of the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor, nullify Ibas’s appointment, and uphold the constitutional provisions protecting elected offices.

The matter has been slated for substantive hearing on April 10, 2025.