The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed October 13, 2025, for hearing in a suit filed by a civil society group, the Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration (FREECON), challenging the legality of the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State and the constitutionality of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
FREECON is asking the court to determine whether, by the combined reading of Sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), President Bola Tinubu has the power to create or appoint a Sole Administrator or any other authority to usurp the governor’s constitutional powers in appointing the RSIEC chairman and members.
The group is also seeking clarity on whether the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who they argue is not recognized by the Constitution, can lawfully appoint the RSIEC chairman and members vested with the responsibility of conducting elections across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
When the matter came up on Wednesday, counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) applied to be joined in the suit. The application was not opposed by the claimants and was subsequently granted by the presiding judge, Justice Turaki Mohammed.
Defence counsels also notified the court of their preliminary objection on the issue of jurisdiction. Claimants’ counsel, Amegua Lezina, acknowledged receipt of the objection and confirmed that their response on points of law had been filed.
After hearing from parties, Justice Mohammed adjourned the case to October 13, 2025, effectively removing the matter from the vacation court schedule.