Rivers: Ibas Names New LG Administrators, Reconstitutes Boards

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has announced the appointment of Administrators for the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Ibas also announced the reconstitution of previously suspended Boards of Agencies, Commissions, and Parastatals.

According to Professor Ibibia Worika, Secretary to the State Government, these appointments will take effect on Monday, April 7, 2025.

A list signed by Worika named Mr Okroiyobi Animiete as the administrator of Abua/Odual; Mr Goodluck M.  Ihenacho, Ahoada East; Mr Promise Jacob,   Ahoada West; Dr Tamunotonye Peters.  Akuku Toru; Surveyor Atajit Francis, Andoni; Barrister Ibiapuve Charles, Asari Toru and Mr Kingsley N. Banigo, Bonny.

Others are Dr Sokari Ibifuro Francis, Degema; Dr Gloria Obo Dibiah, Eleme; Barrister Franklin P. Ajinwon, Emohua; Dr Onyemachi  S. Nwankwor, Etche: Prof. Gospel G.  Kpee, Gokana; Mr Isaiah Christian Nobuawu,  Ikwerre;  Dr Barinedum Nwibere, Khana; Dr Clifford Ndu Walter, Obio Akpor and Dr Chukwuma Aje, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Eliel Owubokiri, Ogu/BOLO; Mr Thompson Isodiki, Okrika; Manager Ikechi Wala,  Omuma; Mr Fred Apiafi, Opobo /Nkoro; Eletuuo Ihianacho, Oyigbo; Dr Sam Kalagbor, Port Harcourt and Mr Nuka O. S. Gbipah, Tai.

Ibas also reconstituted the state’s Electoral Commission (RISIEC), appointing Dr. Michael Odey as its Chairman with Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof  Author Nwafor, while Prof Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, Dr  Olive A. Bruce and Prof. Chidi Halliday will serve as members.

This announcement comes after a High Court in Port Harcourt set April 14, 2025, to hear a lawsuit lodged by human rights attorney, Courage Nsirimovu of Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative. Nsirimovu sought to prevent the appointment of LG Administrators in the state.

Justice Adamu Mohammed, overseeing the case, did not issue a specific restraining order; instead, he instructed the Administrator of Rivers State to be notified to appear and explain why the request to block the appointments should not be approved.