Our reporter
The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has ordered the immediate removal of Mr Tony Ibas, the Sole Administrator appointed to oversee Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The court has reaffirmed the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the legitimate and democratically elected leader of the State.
Delivering the judgment on Tuesday morning, Justice Boma Diepriye described the appointment of a Sole Administrator for a state with an active governor as “illegal, null, and void,” citing a gross violation of constitutional provisions. The court held that there exists no legal framework under the Nigerian Constitution that empowers the President or any federal authority to impose an administrator over a state where the sitting governor remains neither impeached nor incapacitated.
Justice Diepriye further ordered Mr Ibas to vacate the Government House in Port Harcourt within 48 hours and directed federal security operatives to ensure full compliance with the ruling. The court also instructed the federal government to restore all executive powers and privileges to Governor Fubara without delay.
“This court cannot sanction or legitimise an action that fundamentally undermines the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the judge stated. “Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the duly elected and constitutionally recognised leader of Rivers State, and any attempt to usurp his authority through executive fiat is an affront to democracy.”
The judgement followed a series of legal and political tussles between the Rivers State Government and the Presidency over alleged interference in the state’s internal affairs. Tensions escalated in recent months after the controversial appointment of Mr Ibas as Sole Administrator, a move that sparked widespread outrage among civil society groups, constitutional lawyers, and opposition politicians.
The Tinubu administration had defended the appointment as a “temporary administrative measure” to stabilise the state, which it claimed was experiencing “governance paralysis” under Fubara. However, the court dismissed those arguments as unfounded and unconstitutional.
Reacting to the judgement, Governor Fubara hailed the decision as “a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the people of Rivers State.” In a statement released shortly after the ruling, Fubara thanked the judiciary for “standing firm in defence of justice and federalism.”
“I have always maintained that my mandate is sacred and was freely given by the good people of Rivers State. This ruling has not only affirmed that truth but also reinforced the sanctity of our constitutional democracy,” the governor said.
There has been no official response yet from the Presidency or Mr Ibas. However, legal experts suggest the federal government may appeal the ruling, setting the stage for a potential constitutional showdown at the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, political analysts have warned that the development could trigger similar challenges in other states, should federal authorities be perceived to be overstepping their constitutional boundaries.
The court’s ruling is expected to significantly ease tensions in Rivers State and restore a semblance of normalcy to the state’s governance. Observers also view it as a critical moment in the defence of Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic principles.
As of press time, security around the Government House in Port Harcourt remains tight, with sources confirming that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth transition back to Governor Fubara’s leadership.
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