The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for April 10 regarding a case challenging the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The lawsuit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, lists President Bola Tinubu as the first defendant and was filed by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi. Justice James Omotosho has been assigned to the case.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, and the Attorneys-General of all 36 states are also named as defendants (2nd to 39th).
In his suit, Mr. Jideobi is asking the court to nullify all actions and decisions taken by Vice Admiral Ibas in his role as Sole Administrator, arguing that these actions lack constitutional and legal basis.
The lawyer is also seeking a permanent court order to prevent President Tinubu or anyone acting under his authority from removing or interfering with the tenures of state governors or deputy governors, and from appointing Sole Administrators to lead states.
In his filed legal documents, Mr. Jideobi, represented by a team led by lawyer Chimezie Enuka, asks the court to determine whether the President has the constitutional authority to remove or suspend a duly elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State (or any other state) and appoint a Sole Administrator, considering the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution.
He requests the court to declare that a governor or deputy governor can only be removed through the processes outlined in specific sections of the Constitution.
Mr. Jideobi further seeks declarations that the alleged suspension of the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor on March 18, 2025, and the subsequent appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator, are unconstitutional, null, and void. He also seeks court orders to set aside these actions and direct Vice Admiral Ibas to vacate the Rivers State Government House.
In his affidavit, Mr. Jideobi states his belief as a lawyer that the term "Sole Administrator" is not found in the Nigerian Constitution and that the President does not have the authority to remove elected governors. He emphasizes Nigeria's federal system and the principle of separation of powers. Mr. Jideobi asserts that the lawsuit is in the public interest, aimed at upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the Constitution, expressing concern that the removal of elected governors could become commonplace without the court's intervention, potentially leading to instability. He believes it is in the interest of justice for the court to grant his requests.
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