The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has summoned the Rivers State Administrator over the appointment of Sole Administrators for 23 local councils.
The court ordered the respondent to appear and explain why an interim injunction should not be granted to halt the appointments announced yesterday.
Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed, who issued the order on Monday, April 7, 2025, insisted that the Administrator must “show cause” before the court can decide on halting the process.
This decision followed an ex-parte motion brought before the court by the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and its Coordinator, Courage Nsirimovu.
The applicants had sought to restrain the state’s Administrator and any of his representatives from proceeding with what they described as a controversial move that threatens democratic structures at the grassroots level. Their motion raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the planned appointments.
Justice Mohammed, while ruling on the matter, stressed the importance of procedural fairness and transparency. He ordered that the respondent be served with the court’s processes and directed that a hearing notice be issued for the next sitting.
Legal representative for the applicants, A. O. Imiete, urged the court to consider the far-reaching consequences of the proposed appointments. Imiete adopted a written address in support of the motion, emphasizing that the appointments, if allowed, could derail local governance and violate constitutional principles.
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The court subsequently fixed April 14, 2025, for further hearing, setting the stage for what many see as a crucial legal battle over governance in Rivers State. The respondent was notably absent at the Monday hearing.
This legal action comes at a time when political tension continues to rise in Rivers State, with opposition figures and civil society organisations questioning recent decisions by the state’s Administrator.
The issue of appointing Sole Administrators has drawn sharp criticism, with many arguing it could erode local democratic institutions.
Observers across the state are closely monitoring the case marked FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, which has attracted significant public and media attention. The outcome may not only affect the immediate political climate but could also set a legal precedent on the limits of executive authority at the state level.
Meanwhile, civic groups have commended the judiciary’s stance, viewing it as a safeguard against potential executive overreach.
They argue that empowering local government areas through elections, rather than appointments, ensures accountability and participation in governance.
As the matter returns to court next week, stakeholders await a decision that could reshape the administrative framework of Rivers State and reaffirm the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law.
Crediblenewsng.com
