The Federal High Court in Abuja has been urged to sack Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, declaring his appointment unconstitutional.
The suit, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, also seeks to nullify the suspension of the elected governor and deputy governor of the state.
President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Ibas, and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states are listed as defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025.
Jideobi is asking the court to declare Ibas’ appointment “unconstitutional, null, and void” and to issue a perpetual injunction restraining the President from appointing sole administrators in any state. He argues that the Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove or suspend elected governors and appoint substitutes.
Backing his case with constitutional provisions, Jideobi insists that Tinubu overstepped his authority, stating:
“As a Nigerian Lawyer and all through my years of practice, I have never seen the word ‘Sole Administrator’ in the amended 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He warned that allowing such actions could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to widespread political instability.
The suit also demands an order directing Ibas to vacate the Rivers State Government House immediately.
