RIVERS STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEMBERS SUE SOLE ADMINISTRATOR OVER SUSPENSION. (PHOTO).

 Rivers State Civil Service Commission Members Sue Sole Administrator Over Suspension

The suspended chairman and members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission have filed a lawsuit against Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, challenging their removal from office. The claimants, led by Reverend Goodlife Iduoku Ben and including Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenim Wisdom Jerome, and three others, were appointed by the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In their suit, the claimants argue that their suspension by Ibas is illegal, asserting that their appointments were lawfully made and documented with the Clerk of the House. An affidavit signed by Ben further contends that the Sole Administrator lacks the legal authority to suspend them or appoint new commission members.

The case was heard on Thursday at the Rivers State High Court, where the Sole Administrator’s legal team, comprising five Senior Advocates of Nigeria, filed a defense and a preliminary objection. They argued that the Rivers State High Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, citing the Emergency Powers Act, 1961, and the Emergency Powers (Jurisdiction) Act, 1962. The defense claimed that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, as modified by presidential regulation. They further argued that Ibas’ authority to suspend and appoint derives from these laws.

In response, the claimants’ legal team dismissed the cited 1961 and 1962 Acts as obsolete, arguing that they are considered spent under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and listed as such in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Justice Frank Onyiri, presiding over the case, adjourned the matter to June 17, 2025, for the adoption of all legal processes. The case continues to highlight the ongoing political and legal tensions in Rivers State.