No Court Order Stopping Sole Administrator’s Resumption — Rivers Govt

The Rivers State Government has denied claims that a High Court order was issued to prevent the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), from resuming duties.

Dr Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the reports as false, malicious, and the product of individuals seeking to inflame political tensions in the state. In a statement issued Thursday, Ehie made it clear that he did not file any suit challenging the appointment of the Sole Administrator, dismissing the rumours as fabrications by “low minds” who could not even spell his name correctly.

According to Ehie, the claims circulating on social media alleged that a Rivers State High Court granted an order in a purported suit he filed, which supposedly challenged the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. He labelled the post as fake news and stated that the supposed suit and court order do not exist.

Ehie stressed that under normal circumstances, he would have ignored the reports, but felt compelled to respond in order to prevent the public from being misled. He criticised the credibility of the post and the literacy of its author, pointing out the absence of basic legal details such as a suit number or date of filing.

He urged the public, especially residents of Rivers State, to disregard the claims, noting that the aim of the misinformation was to sow division and portray him as a disruptor. Ehie reiterated his commitment to peace and lawful conduct, asserting that he remains focused on his duties and faith.

He concluded by affirming that there is no legal barrier to the resumption of the Sole Administrator, calling the entire report fictitious and misleading.