By Peter Omopo
Port Harcourt, August 4, 2025 — Tension is mounting in Rivers State ahead of the August 30 local government elections, as a legal battle unfolds over the legitimacy of the state’s electoral commission.
A Port Harcourt-based non-governmental organisation, the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Leadership, has filed a lawsuit at the Rivers State High Court challenging the legality of the actions taken by the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), regarding the constitution of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
In a suit marked PHC/2293/CS/2025, the group, led by legal practitioner Barrister Chizi Enyi, is asking Justice Else Thompson to determine whether the Sole Administrator, and not the Governor, has the constitutional authority to appoint members of the RSIEC board.
The NGO is contending that such appointments violate Sections 176(1) and (2), 197(1) and (3), and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which confer such powers exclusively on a sitting governor.
The claimants are seeking a declaration that the nomination, appointment, and inauguration of RSIEC board members by Ibas in May 2025 are unlawful, null, and void, and therefore, of no effect. They are also praying the court to set aside all actions carried out by the allegedly illegitimate RSIEC board, including all preparations toward the scheduled local government elections.
In addition, the group is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the Sole Administrator from further exercising the powers constitutionally reserved for the Governor, and to bar the Attorney General, the RSIEC, and all related officials from recognising or acting on the disputed appointments.
As part of its reliefs, the organisation is also demanding the payment of ₦10 million in general and aggravated damages.
Court documents obtained by Sunday PUNCH indicate that the defendants are expected to enter their appearance within 21 days of receiving the court summons.
The legal tussle adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political atmosphere in Rivers State, where disputes over power, legitimacy, and election procedures continue to generate controversy.
