The Rivers State Judiciary has dismissed reports claiming that a State High Court issued an injunction preventing the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating the newly confirmed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.
The reports, which surfaced on Monday, July 14, 2025, alleged that Justice Frank Onyiri had directed all parties in the case to maintain the status quo until judgment is delivered on September 29, 2025.
The lawsuit was initiated by Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others, who are challenging their suspension by the Sole Administrator.
The claimants argue that their removal and replacement were unlawful, as they were duly appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, with their appointments documented by the Clerk of the House before receiving official letters from the Governor.
In an affidavit, Rev. Ben contended that the Sole Administrator lacks the legal authority to suspend them or appoint new commission members. The defendants in the case include Vice Admiral Ibas, the Accountant General of the State, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, and eleven others.
In a strongly worded disclaimer dated July 14, 2025, the Rivers State Judiciary described the reports as false and malicious.
The statement, signed by Deputy Chief Registrar Menenen Poromon, clarified that Justice Onyiri did not issue any injunction restraining the Sole Administrator from inaugurating the commission members. The judiciary urged the public to disregard the misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms.
Despite the judiciary’s clarification, some media outlets, including Daily Post, insist that Justice Onyiri directed parties to maintain the status quo, sparking debate over the legal interpretation of the term and its implications for the case. The conflicting narratives have heightened public interest in the matter as stakeholders await further developments.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
