Nigeria News Nalin The report said Rivers State’s sole administrator Deputy Admiral (RTD) IBOKETTE IBAS has made great progress in reshaping the state’s administrative landscape, announcing a new appointment to the Civil Service and Local Government Services Commission.
Despite the restrictive orders of the Federal High Court, the changes are concurrent with the appointment of administrators of the controversial 23 local government committees.
In a formal announcement Wednesday, a special statement signed by the Secretary of the State Government (SSG) Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika confirmed the appointments, which included important figures from the state committees.
The newly appointed members of the Civil Service Commission are:
Dr. Livinus Bariki – Chairman
amb. Peter Egopija – Member
Mrs. Maeve Ere Bestman – Member
Mrs. Joy Obiaju – Member
Lady of Charity Lloyd Harry – Member
Meanwhile, the Local Government Services Committee saw the following appointments:
Mr. N. Matdi, Israel – Chairman
Mr. Linus Nwandem – Member
Christabel Lady Ego George Didia – Member
Dr. Tonye Willie D. Genpple – Member
Bar. Richard Ewoh – Member
After Emmanuel Ofik (RTD) – Member
Dr. Sammy Apiafi – Member
Professor Worika confirmed that these appointments will take effect from April 7, 2025.
Controversial moves amid legal challenges
The latest appointment was conducted by a controversial action by Deputy Admiral Ibas, including the appointment of administrators of all 23 local government councils in the state.
The ruling remains in violation of the federal High Court restriction order. In addition, the sole administrator appointed the Rivers National Independent Election Commission (RSIEC), which was seen as consolidating power.
These developments have sparked widespread speculation that the IBA deputy admiral is working to remove the remnants of the political structure established by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, thus effectively reshaping the state’s political institutions.
