…As Ibas backdates appointments into boards, LGs to escape court’s hammer
By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the recent developments in Rivers State especially with the appointments of sole administrators for the 23 local councils of the state and boards such as the Local Government Service Commission, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, Rivers State Civil Service Commission and others by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), it has become crystal clear that the political structure of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike which was hitherto dismantled by the suspended governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara is gradually returning to place.
Recall that part of the reasons for the disagreement between Wike and Fubara has been about maintenance of political structure.
Also, Wike during a live television programme in 2024, vowed to fight whoever touches his political structure in Rivers State after commissioners and other appointees of Wike in Fubara’s cabinet resigned following what some described then as ” ill treatment,” by the governor.
The battle was further heightened when in October 2024, Fubara went ahead to conduct local councils elections using a little known party, the All People’s Party, APP, to oust Wike’s loyalists in all the councils.
Wike, who then couldn’t hide his frustration, accused Fubara of betraying those who worked to make him governor and vowed on several occasions to fight back.
Furthermore, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu early last month and the appointment of a sole administrator presented the FCT Minister with a perfect opportunity to take his pound of flesh from the suspended governor and to ensure that his men are comfortably sited pending the expiration of the six-months emergency rule.
To further assist Wike in regaining his political structure and to undercut a pending suit filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education, Ibas in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th April respectively, announced the appointment of sole administrators for the 23 LGAs and other boards with a backdated statement directing them to resume work on Monday, 7th April, 2025.
The statement by Worika read: “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of Administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
“He has also approved the reconstitution of some Boards of Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals, earlier suspended.
“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”
The suit by PILEX Centre for Civic Education which became known on Tuesday was to seek an injunction stopping the sole administrator from appointing administrators for the LGAs and other boards, and also to checkmate some of his activities which lawyers have viewed to be unconstitutional. However, the court on Tuesday did not grant the injunction but rather had summoned the sole administrator to appear before it to show reasons why the prayers of the applicant should not be granted and adjourned further hearing till April 14, 2024.
Meanwhile, loyalists of the FCT Minister especially on the social media have hailed the various appointments made by the sole administrator while describing Wike as a master tactician in the field of politics.
