Despite widespread criticism over the appointment of Sole Administrators for the twenty-three local government areas of Rivers State, the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has officially sworn in all twenty-three appointees.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Videos circulating on social media show jubilant scenes involving the newly appointed administrators, many of whom are believed to be loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
A human rights group, Pilex Center for Civic Education, had on April 7 approached the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt seeking to halt the appointments, challenging the legality of the move.
The court has summoned the Sole Administrator to appear and explain why an interim injunction should not be granted to restrain him from proceeding with the appointments.
The suit was filed by the Coordinator of the Pilex Center, Courage Nsirimovu.
Justice Adamu Mohammed had adjourned the matter to April 14 for hearing.
