The Rivers State Government has announced the appointment of administrators for all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, as well as the reconstitution of several suspended boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals.

The appointments, which take effect from Monday, 7 April 2025, were approved by the Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.

According to a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, the move follows a recent Supreme Court judgement that nullified the local government elections held on 5 October 2024.

The new administrators appointed to oversee the 23 LGAs include Mr. Okroiyobi Animiete (Abua/Odual), Mr. Goodluck M. Ihenacho (Ahoada East), Mr. Promise Jacob (Ahoada West), Dr. Tamunotonye Peters (Akuku Toru), Surveyor Atajit Francis (Andoni), and others listed in the official statement.

In addition, the Rivers State Electoral Commission has been reconstituted, with Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey appointed as Chairman and six others as members.

The appointments, however, come amid ongoing legal proceedings. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has scheduled 14 April 2025 to hear a suit filed by human rights lawyer Courage Nsirimovu, of the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative, challenging the legality of the appointments.

Justice Adamu Mohammed, who is presiding over the case, declined to issue a restraining order but directed that the state administrator be served notice to appear and explain why the appointments should not be halted.

“I am of the view that it will serve the interest of justice to put the respondent on notice to show cause why the application should not be granted,” the judge ruled.

The full list of newly-appointed administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State:

1. Mr Okroiyobi Animiete – Abua/Odual LGA
2. Mr Goodluck M. Ihenacho – Ahoada East LGA
3. Mr Promise Jacob – Ahoada West LGA
4. Dr Tamunotonye Peters – Akuku Toru LGA
5. Surveyor Atajit Francis – Andoni LGA
6. Barrister Ibiapuve Charles – Asari Toru LGA
7. Mr Kingsley N. Banigo – Bonny LGA
8. Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis – Degema LGA
9. Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah – Eleme LGA
10. Barr Franklin P. Ajinwon – Emohua LGA
11. Dr Onyemachi S. Nwankwor – Etche LGA
12. Prof. Gospel G. Kpee – Gokana LGA
13. Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu – Ikwerre LGA
14. Dr Barinedum Nwibere – Khana LGA
15. Dr Clifford Ndu Walter – Obio Akpor LGA
16. Dr Chukwuma Aje – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
17. Eliel Owubokiri – Ogu/Bolo LGA
18. Mr Thompson Isodiki – Okrika LGA
19. Manager Ikechi Wala – Omuma LGA
20. Mr Fred Apiafi – Opobo /Nkoro LGA
21. Eletuuo Ihianacho – Oyigbo LGA
22. Dr Sam Kalagbor – Port Harcourt LGA
23. Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah – Tai LGA