Rivers judiciary denies stopping inauguration of state commission board
The Judiciary of Rivers State has dismissed as false the reports suggesting that Justice Frank Onyiri issued a restraining order stopping the Sole Administrator of the state, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, from inaugurating new members of the Rivers State Services Commission.
According to social media posts and some online outlets, the Rivers State High Court was alleged to have halted the planned inauguration due to a pending legal case involving previously appointed members of the commission. However, the state Judiciary has refuted these claims, describing them as “false and misleading.”
In an official reaction, the High Court clarified its stance through a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Registrar (Litigation), Menenen Poromon. The court emphasized that no injunction or restraining order was ever issued by Justice Onyiri or any other judge within the Rivers State judiciary concerning the inauguration.
“The report is malicious, mendacious, and bereft of any modicum of truth,” the statement read. The judiciary further appealed to the public and media practitioners to avoid spreading unfounded claims and instead verify any legal information through the Office of the Chief Registrar.
The legal dispute prompting the confusion involves a case filed by Rev. Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome, and three others who were appointed to the commission by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. These individuals challenged their removal from office by the current Sole Administrator.
According to the claimants, their suspension was unconstitutional and failed to follow due process. They insist that they were properly appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that the current administration lacks the authority to terminate their appointments or replace them with new members.
While the Judiciary acknowledged that Justice Onyiri is indeed handling the matter, it clarified that the only directive issued was for all parties to maintain the status quo as of April 2025. This order, the court stressed, was not a restraining injunction but a procedural measure to preserve balance until the case is fully decided.
The case has been adjourned until September 29, 2025, for final judgment. Given the crucial role the Services Commission plays in the administration of civil service affairs, the Judiciary called for calm and vigilance against misinformation that could further inflame political tensions in the state.
