Court Bars Ibas From Inaugurating New Members of Services Commission 

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has barred the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating the newly confirmed chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission, pending the judgment of the court in a pending suit.

Justice Frank Onyiri issued the order after all parties adopted their final written addresses in a suit filed by the Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission appointed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The claimants are challenging their suspension by the sole administrator.

Justice Onyiri, after directing all parties to maintain the status quo in an order issued in April 2024, adjourned the matter for judgment, fixed for September 29, 2025.

The claimants, Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome and three others, are contesting what they describe as their unlawful removal and replacement without due process.

They argue that they were duly appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, and that records of their confirmation were already with the Clerk of the House before appointment letters were issued by the Governor.