SOLAD Back-Dates Appointment Of LG Administrators To Escape Court Hammer?
The approval of the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, was released on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, but back-dated to take effect from Monday, April 7, 2025.
This approval came less than 24 hours after a restraining order was issued by a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
As at the time the court order was given, there was no information about appointment of administrators.
Early Wednesday morning the SOLAD’s men released a statement on the appointment, without announcing the appointees immediately, an action many consider to be vary strange.
The court had issued an order restraining the sole administrator from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils.
The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Nsirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity.
It is rumoured that the SOLAD intentionally back-dated the appointments to escape the rot of the law.
Some have slammed Ibas, alleging that his actions were contrary to the position of the Supreme Court against unelected LG helmsmen.
However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended.
The approval was contained in a special government announcement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.
The statement reads, “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.”
Those on the approved list are, Mr. Okroiyoba Animele for Abua/Odual LGA, Goodluck M Iheanacho for Ahoada East, Mr Promise Jacob for Ahoada West, Dr Tamunotonye Peters-Akuku Toru, Mr Atajit Francis-Andoni.
Others are, Mr Ibiapuve Charles for Asari-Toru, Kingsley Banigo for Bonny, Dr. Sokari Ibifuro Francis for Degema, Gloria Obo-Dibiah, Eleme, Franklin P Ajinwon for Emohua, Onyenachi Nwankwor for Etche LGA.
The approved list also has, Gospel G Kpee for Gokana LGA, Isaiah Christian Nobuawu for Ikwerre LGA, Barinedum Nwibere for Khana, Clifford Ndu Walter for Obio/Akpor LGA, Chukwuma Aje for Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Eliel Owubokiri for Ogu/Bolo.
Also appointed were, Thompson Isodiki for Okrika, Manager Ikechi Wala for Omuma, Fred Apiafi, Eletuuo Ihianacho for Oyigbo, Sam Kalabor for Port Harcourt and Nuka O.S. Gbipah for Tai LGA.
