Rivers State’s sole administrator, Ibok‑Ete Ibas, has inaugurated the newly appointed chairman and members of the state Civil Service Commission despite a subsisting court injunction barring him from doing so.
According to Peoples Gazette, Mr. Ibas hastily inaugurated the members on Monday, disregarding the court order that directed him to hold off on the process pending the determination of a suit before it.
The sole administrator swore in the commission members alongside those of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, among others. During the ceremony, he called for an end to mediocrity in public service while advocating merit‑driven recruitment, capacity‑building, and promotion practices.
“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability,” Mr. Ibas said. “Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies.”
Justice Frank Onyiri had earlier cautioned the sole administrator against going ahead with the inauguration after parties in the suit addressed and adopted their final written addresses. The suit was filed by the chairman and members of the commission appointed by the now‑suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The aggrieved sacked members of the commission — Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others — had approached the court to challenge their suspension by Mr. Ibas.
The claimants argued that the sole administrator lacked the legal powers to remove them from office and appoint a new chairman and members of the commission.
After issuing the order on Monday, Justice Onyiri warned all parties in the matter to maintain the status quo, adjourning the case until September 29 for judgment.
