Tinubu, AGF, and All 36 States Named in Lawsuit
Legal Action Challenges Rivers’ Sole Administrator Appointment
ABUJA – A fresh legal challenge has emerged against the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. The Federal High Court in Abuja has been petitioned to declare his appointment unconstitutional and order his immediate removal.
In the suit, President Bola Tinubu is named as the first defendant, while the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas, and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states of Nigeria are listed as the second to 39th defendants. The legal action, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Mr. Johnmary Jideobi, argues that any decision or action taken by Vice Admiral Ibas as the Rivers’ Sole Administrator lacks constitutional backing and should be nullified.
Lawyer Seeks Court Intervention to Void Appointment
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, urges the court to issue an order invalidating all decisions made by Vice Admiral Ibas in his capacity as the Sole Administrator. The plaintiff contends that the appointment contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and should not hold any legal standing.
Additionally, Jideobi is requesting a perpetual injunction to prevent President Tinubu or any of his representatives from interfering with the tenure of elected governors and deputy governors across the country. The suit also seeks to bar the president from appointing any Sole Administrator in any Nigerian state under any circumstance.
Key Legal Questions Raised in the Suit
Through a legal team led by Mr. Chimezie Enuka, the plaintiff is asking the court to interpret sections of the 1999 Constitution—including Sections 1, 5(2), 180, 188, 189, 305, and 306—to determine whether the president has the authority to remove an elected governor and replace them with a Sole Administrator.
Jideobi insists that the Constitution outlines specific circumstances under which a governor or deputy governor may be removed, and the current situation in Rivers State does not meet those criteria.
The suit seeks the court’s declaration that:
- The suspension of Rivers State’s Governor and Deputy Governor on March 18, 2025, is unconstitutional and void.
- The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Rivers’ Sole Administrator has no legal basis and should be overturned.
- The president lacks the authority to interfere with the tenure of any duly elected governor or deputy governor in Nigeria.
- The court should order Vice Admiral Ibas to vacate the Rivers State Government House immediately.
Legal Argument: “Sole Administrator” Not in the Constitution
In a 32-paragraph affidavit supporting the suit, the plaintiff emphasizes that the term “Sole Administrator” does not appear in the 1999 Constitution. He argues that the concept undermines Nigeria’s federal structure and separation of powers.
“As a Nigerian lawyer, I have never encountered the term ‘Sole Administrator’ in the Constitution. It is not a recognized position under our laws,” Jideobi stated. He further argued that only the State House of Assembly or a judicial process can remove a governor—not the president.
Fear of Constitutional Crisis and Political Instability
Jideobi warns that if the court does not act, the precedent set in Rivers State could lead to similar actions nationwide. He believes allowing such appointments could create instability, as the removal of elected governors might become a frequent occurrence.
“If the court does not intervene, the president may continue removing governors at will, leading to widespread anarchy. This case is not just about Rivers State—it is about protecting Nigeria’s democracy and constitutional integrity,” he argued.
Awaiting Court Hearing
As of now, the Federal High Court has yet to set a date for the hearing. Legal experts believe the case could have significant implications for the balance of power between the federal and state governments in Nigeria.
This lawsuit raises critical questions about executive overreach, state autonomy, and the future of governance in Nigeria. Observers will be watching closely as the legal battle unfolds.
