An Abuja-based lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to nullify the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. The legal challenge questions the constitutionality of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend the elected governor and deputy governor of the state.
Jideobi, through a legal consortium led by Chimezie Enuka, argues that the appointment of a sole administrator is not provided for in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended). He is asking the court to declare the move unconstitutional, null, and void, and to set aside all actions taken by Ibas in his capacity as administrator.
The suit also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining the President and his agents from removing any duly elected governor or deputy governor in any of Nigeria’s 36 states. Jideobi insists that Sections 180, 188, 189, 305, and 306 of the Constitution clearly outline the only legal grounds for removing an elected state governor, none of which support the appointment of an unelected administrator.
“As a Nigerian lawyer, I have never seen the term ‘Sole Administrator’ in the Constitution,” Jideobi stated in his affidavit. “This case is about defending the rule of law and preserving the supremacy of the Constitution to prevent a dangerous precedent that could destabilize the country.”
The lawsuit underscores broader concerns from civil society groups about constitutional overreach and the erosion of democratic governance in Nigeria. Legal and political analysts warn that the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for federal-state relations.
As of now, the court has yet to fix a date for the hearing.
