News
Lawyers Ask Court to Sack Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has been asked to sack the recently appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, rtd.
While President Bola Tinubu was cited as the 1st defendant, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, rtd, and Attorneys-General of the 36 states of the federation, were listed as 2nd to 39th defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, which was lodged before the court on Tuesday.
The suit, which was filed by an Abuja-based legal practitioner, Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, is equally praying the court to set-aside as void, “all actions and decisions [howsoever described or made] of the 3rd Defendant [Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd)] in the name of Sole Administrator of Rivers State, same being unconstitutional, null and of no constitutional force throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria for all purposes.”
The plaintiff further prayed the court to issue a perpetual order of injunction, restraining the 1st defendant (Tinubu, either by himself, his officers, agents, privies, servants or any other person acting under his command howsoever named, “from either removing, suspending or otherwise tampering with the tenure of the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Rivers State [and indeed any other State in Nigeria].”
As well as an order of perpetual injunction, barring President Tinubu, “either by himself, his officers, agents, privies, servants or any other person acting under his command howsoever named, from appointing any Sole Administrator into any State Government House in the thirty (36) of the Federation for any purpose whatsoever.”
In the Originating Summons he filed through a consortium of lawyers led by Mr. Chimezie Enuka, the plaintiff prayed the court to determine:
“Whether in view of the combined provisions of the entirety of Sections 1, 5(2), 180, 188, 189, 305 and 306 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and their conflated interpretation, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria [1st Defendant herein] has any constitutional authority [whatsoever] to either remove, suspend or otherwise tamper with the tenure of the duly elected Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State [and indeed of any other State in Nigeria] and appoint a sole Administrator [or any other substitute howsoever called or described] such as the 3rd Defendant for that State?”
Upon the determination of the question, he prayed the court to declare that upon an intimate reading and complete understanding of the entirety of section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, there is NO other circumstance contemplated by the Constitution for the removal OR interruption of the tenure of an elected Governor and Deputy Governor of a State EXCEPT the circumstances contemplated under Sections 180, 188, 189 and 306 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
“A declaration of this Honorable Court that in view of the entirety of Sections 1, 5(2), 180, 188, 189, 305 and 306 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has NO constitutional authority to either remove, suspend or otherwise tamper with the tenure of a duly elected Governor and Deputy Governor of a State and appoint a sole Administrator [or any other substitute howsoever called or described] such as the 3rd Defendant herein for that State.
“A declaration of this Honourable Court that the purported suspension of the Governor and the Deputy-Governor of Rivers State of Nigeria by the 1st Defendant on Tuesday the 18th day of March, 2025 is unconstitutional, null and void and of no legal effect whatsoever.“
An order of this Honourable Court setting aside the suspension of the Governor and the Deputy-Governor of Rivers State of Nigeria by the 1st Defendant on Tuesday the 18th day of March, 2025, for being unconstitutional, null and void and of no legal effect whatsoever.“An order of this Honourable Court setting aside the nomination/appointment and swearing in of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State of Nigeria by the 1st Defendant.”
Likewise, “An order of this Honourable Court directing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) [the 3rd defendant herein] to vacate, forthwith, the Government House of Rivers State of Nigeria.”
In a 32-paragraphed affidavit he deposed in support of the suit, the plaintiff maintained that though President Tinubu has the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in deserving circumstances in any part of the federation, he does not have the power to suspend elected officials like a governor who is not his appointee.“
As a Nigerian Lawyer and all through my years of practice, I have never seen the word ‘Sole Administrator’ in the amended 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I know that neither the 1st Defendant nor the 2nd Defendant appointed the Governor and Deputy-Governor of Rivers State of Nigeria and that no Governor or Deputy Governor in Nigeria is an appointee of the 1st and 2nd Defendants.
“I know that Nigeria practices Federalism, hinged on the separation of powers.“
I have instituted this suit in the public interest, in the defence of the Rule of Law and accentuation of the supremacy of the Constitution and to preserve the integrity of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the most sacred document that holds the Nigerian State in balance and in being.“
I am genuinely worried that, in the absence of the intervention of this Court, removal of duly elected Governors and Deputy-Governors may become the pastime of the President, thereby opening the floodgate of anarchy capable of consuming this nation.
“It will be in the interest of justice for this Honourable Court to grant the prayers contained on the face of this Originating Summons,” the plaintiff averred.
Meanwhile, no date has been fixed for the matter to be heard.
…..As Director-General Reflects on the National Broadcasting Commission’s Legacy and Future.
In a message marking the 33rd anniversary of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Director-General, Charles Ebuebu, acknowledged the organization’s significant contributions to the Nigerian broadcasting landscape.
Established three decades ago, the NBC was created with the crucial role of regulating, guiding, and developing the broadcasting industry nationwide.
The Director-General’s message highlighted the NBC’s journey, acknowledging both the successes and challenges faced over the years.
The statement reads:
“To the Management and Staff of the NBC, Esteemed Licensees, and Fellow Nigerians:” “Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s broadcasting journey”.
“The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was established 33 years ago with a singular mandate: to regulate, guide, and nurture the broadcasting industry in Nigeria”.
“Over these three decades, we have grown together — from the era of limited analogue transmissions to the present digital age where voices, stories, and innovations find expression across multiple platforms”.
“This anniversary is not merely about numbers, but about the shared commitment of our staff, the resilience of our licensees, and the trust of the Nigerian public”.
“It is about the values of professionalism, integrity, and service to the public interest that have carried us through the years.
I therefore extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Executive Board of Management, the entire NBC family, and indeed all stakeholders who continue to uphold these values”.
“Looking Back with Pride from the earliest days of national radio and television, through the liberalisation of the broadcast space, to the present drive towards digital switchover, the Commission has consistently sought to ensure that broadcasting remains a tool for education, information, and national integration”.
“We have weathered challenges, adapted to changes, and remained a pillar in upholding national standards”.
Looking Forward with Purpose.
“As we celebrate this 33rd anniversary, we must equally look to the future with clarity and resolve”.
“The landscape of broadcasting is changing rapidly — artificial intelligence, online streaming, satellite-driven platforms, and converged media are now defining the way societies consume information”.
“Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind.
The NBC is committed to:
Deepening Digital Transition: Ensuring the success of Nigeria’s Digital Switchover project, with platforms that guarantee universal access, affordability, and inclusivity.
- Strengthening Local Content: Supporting Nigerian creativity and talent so that our airwaves reflect who we are — our values, our cultures, and our aspirations.
- Promoting Responsible Broadcasting: Expanding our capacity to monitor, guide, and check misinformation, disinformation, and harmful content that threaten social cohesion.
- Harnessing Technology for Regulation: Deploying modern digital tools, including AI-driven monitoring and data-driven audience measurement systems, to keep pace with global standards.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with licensees, industry players, and international partners to create a broadcasting environment that is vibrant, innovative, and globally competitive.
- Our Shared Responsibility:
- Broadcasting is not only about regulation; it is about nation building. Every station, every producer, every regulator, and every viewer or listener is a custodian of our collective narrative.
- “Together, we can ensure that the airwaves remain a space of truth, creativity, education, and unity.
- “On this 33rd anniversary, let us renew our pledge — as management, staff, licensees, and the Nigerian people — to build a broadcasting industry that not only serves today but also secures the future”.
- “Congratulations once again to the NBC family and all our stakeholders”.
- “May the years ahead be marked by even greater achievements for the broadcasting sector and for Nigeria”.
A final-year student at Government Day Secondary School, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State, Miss Praise Malachi, tragically lost her life to flooding while rushing home to check her SSCE results, which a friend had told her were excellent.
The 16-year-old had earned a scholarship from the Centre for Girls Education, Zaria, in recognition of her outstanding academic performance.
Her father, Emmanuel Malachi, recounted that around 6:00 pm after heavy rain, Praise’s friends informed her at his shop about her results. Excited, she hurried home to check them on her phone but slipped while crossing a small river formed by severe erosion and was swept away by the floodwaters. Her body was recovered the next day in Hunkuyi, Kudan Local Government Area.
Neighbors Danladi Mudi and Emma Yashi explained that the area’s worsening erosion has made it highly prone to flooding, with several children having lost their lives in similar incidents before.
Habiba Mohammed, Director of the Centre for Girls Education, described Praise as an exceptional student and expressed deep sorrow over her death. She urged authorities to address the erosion problem and build a bridge on the dangerous road to prevent further tragedies.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has instructed its field offices along the River Niger to enhance flood preparedness in response to rising water levels upstream in the Republic of Benin.
NEMA’s Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert and begin relocating to safer, elevated areas.
Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara states were identified as high-risk zones. She also called on state governments to strengthen their emergency response agencies and activate contingency plans.
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