The Federal High Court has summoned the Rivers State Administrator to explain why the appointment of Sole Administrators for 23 LGAs should not be halted. The legal case, which challenges the fairness of the appointments, has raised concerns over democratic governance in Rivers State.
The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has summoned the Rivers State Administrator to explain why an interim injunction should not be granted to halt the appointment of Sole Administrators for the state's 23 Local Government Areas. The summons followed an ex-parte motion filed by the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative, led by Courage Nsirimovu. The petitioners argue that the appointments undermine democratic principles in the state.
On April 7, 2025, Honourable Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed directed that the Rivers State Administrator be notified of the case and ordered to present reasons for not granting the injunction. The case, which will be revisited on April 14, 2025, raises critical questions about local governance and adherence to constitutional norms. The court highlighted the importance of due process and fairness in government decisions.
This legal action comes amid mounting political tensions in Rivers State, with many citizens and political observers criticizing the appointment of Sole Administrators as undemocratic. Legal representatives for the petitioners are pushing for the injunction to prevent the appointments from proceeding, while the Rivers State Administrator has yet to respond in court. The case is seen as pivotal in determining the future of local governance in the state and could set an important legal precedent.
