See the fresh action court took after Rivers’ sole administrator announced LGA appointments

The Federal High Court has summoned Rivers state’s sole administrator to explain why an injunction should not stop the appointment of administrators for 23 LGAsJustice Mohammed highlighted fairness in governance amid concerns that appointing administrators could undermine democracy in Rivers stateThe case has sparked political debate, with the court’s decision on April 14, 2025, expected to impact local governance and constitutional practices in the statePort Hacourt, Rivers state – The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has summoned the Rivers state sole administrator.

Legit.ng reports that this was for him to explain why an interim injunction should not be granted to stop the controversial appointment of administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has taken decisive action against the Rivers state sole administrator after the contentious LGA appointments.
Photo credit: @Mayor_ofph
Source: FacebookThis directive came after an ex-parte motion filed by the Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative and its Coordinator, Courage Nsirimovu, on Monday, April 7, 2025, Channels Television reported.

Legal concerns over democratic processIn his ruling, Honourable Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed highlighted the importance of fairness in governance and ordered the Rivers state Administrator to “show cause” as to why the injunction should not be granted.

The applicants argued that appointing Sole Administrators instead of conducting elections could undermine the democratic process in the state, potentially violating the constitutional rights of citizens.

Justice Mohammed also issued a hearing notice for the next court session, scheduled for April 14, 2025, to further deliberate on the matter.

Legal counsel demands actionA. O. Imiete, the legal counsel representing the Pilex Centre, urged the court to grant the requested reliefs, presenting a written address to support the motion.

The respondent, however, was absent from the court proceedings, further adding to the tension surrounding the case.

Heightened political tension in RiversThe appointment of Sole Administrators has sparked significant political debate in Rivers state, with many questioning the legality and constitutional standing of such actions, Vanguard reported.

Local governance, political representation, and the fairness of administrative appointments have become hot-button issues.

This has led to growing concern about the undermining of democratic processes, with the public and political observers eagerly awaiting the next court session.

The case, which is recorded as FHC/PH/CS/46/2025, is continuing to attract attention as it could set a major legal precedent in the state, impacting future administrative actions and the role of the judiciary in local governance.

Implications for Rivers’ democracyThe Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has intervened with major action against the Rivers state sole administrator.
Photo credit: @officialABAT
Source: TwitterThis legal action has drawn attention from citizens and political analysts, who argue that the outcome of the case could significantly influence the political landscape of Rivers state.

As stakeholders eagerly await the April 14 hearing, all eyes are on the court’s ruling, which could provide clarity on the future of LGA governance and constitutional adherence in the state.

Tinubu told to lift suspension on FubaraEarlier, Legit.ng reported that the Institute of Law Research & Development (ILAWDUN), a prominent US-based legal body, had called on Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately reverse the suspension of Rivers state Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The institute warned that failing to act promptly could have irreversible consequences for both the country’s democracy and Tinubu’s political legacy.

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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng