The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has appointed administrators for all 23 local government areas (LGAs) of the state. This announcement came via a statement issued early Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.
According to the statement, the appointments take immediate effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.
Mr. Okroiyobi Animiete was appointed for Abua/Odual Local Government Area, while Mr. Goodluck M. Ihenacho takes over the reins in Ahoada East. Ahoada West will now be overseen by Mr. Promise Jacob. In Akuku Toru, the administration will be led by Dr. Tamunotonye Peters, while Surveyor Atajit Francis will handle affairs in Andoni. For Asari Toru, Barrister Ibiapuve Charles has been named administrator. Bonny LGA will be managed by Mr. Kingsley N. Banigo, and Degema by Dr. Sokari Ibifuro Francis.
Dr. Gloria Obo Dibiah will administer Eleme, while Barrister Franklin P. Ajinwon assumes responsibility for Emohua. Etche LGA’s affairs will be overseen by Dr. Onyemachi S. Nwankwor, and Prof. Gospel G. Kpee has been appointed to Gokana. In Ikwerre, Mr. Isaiah Christian Nobuawu will serve as administrator, and Khana LGA will be led by Dr. Barinedum Nwibere. Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter has been named administrator for Obio Akpor.
For Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Dr. Chukwuma Aje has been appointed, while Eliel Owubokiri will take charge in Ogu/Bolo. Mr. Thompson Isodiki will oversee Okrika, and Manager Ikechi Wala will administer Omuma. In Opobo/Nkoro, Mr. Fred Apiafi has been appointed, and Eletuuo Ihianacho will serve in Oyigbo. Dr. Sam Kalagbor takes over in Port Harcourt, while Mr. Nuka O. S. Gbipah has been appointed to Tai LGA.
In addition, Vice Admiral Ibas approved the reconstitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), appointing Dr. Micheal Ekpai Odey as chairman. Other members of the commission include Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce, and Prof. Chidi Halliday.
The state government also revealed that Ibas had approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals previously suspended.
The wave of appointments comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly issued an order restraining Ibas from appointing LGA administrators. The court ruling stemmed from a suit filed by parties challenging the legality of the administrator’s powers to make such appointments pending the determination of the substantive case.
Despite the court order, the appointments are being implemented, raising questions about executive overreach and respect for judicial processes.
Chioma Kalu
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