A suit has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to remove Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The legal action, initiated by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, lists President Bola Tinubu as the 1st defendant, alongside the Attorney-General of the Federation, Ibas, and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states. Jideobi argues that the appointment of a Sole Administrator is unconstitutional and seeks to void all decisions made by Ibas in that capacity.
The suit requests a perpetual injunction preventing President Tinubu from suspending or removing any elected governor or deputy governor and from appointing sole administrators in any state. It also calls for Ibas to immediately vacate the Rivers State Government House.
Jideobi contends that Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to interfere with elected official’s tenure except under specific constitutional provisions. He describes the March 18, 2025, suspension of Rivers State’s governor and deputy governor as illegal and urges the court to overturn it.
In a supporting affidavit, Jideobi argues that Nigeria’s federal system does not recognize “Sole Administrators” and warns that allowing such actions could lead to chaos. He urges the court to uphold the rule of law and protect constitutional governance.
The court has yet to schedule a hearing for the case.