The
Rivers State Government has announced the appointment of administrators for all 23 Local Government Areas and reconstituted boards for various agencies and commissions. The appointments, approved by State Administrator Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas and announced by Secretary to the State Government Professor Ibibia Worika, take effect Monday, April 7, 2025.
New Local Government Administrators:
- Mr. Okroiyobi Animiete – Abua/Odual
- Mr. Goodluck M. Ihenacho – Ahoada East
- Mr. Promise Jacob – Ahoada West
- Dr. Tamunotonye Peters – Akuku Toru
- Surveyor Atajit Francis – Andoni
- Barrister Ibiapuve Charles – Asari Toru
- Mr. Kingsley N. Banigo – Bonny
- Dr. Sokari Ibifuro Francis – Degema
- Dr. Gloria Obo Dibiah – Eleme
- Barrister Franklin P. Ajinwon – Emohua
- Dr. Onyemachi S. Nwankwor – Etche
- Prof. Gospel G. Kpee – Gokana
- Mr. Isaiah Christian Nobuawu – Ikwerre
- Dr. Barinedum Nwibere – Khana
- Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter – Obio Akpor
- Dr. Chukwuma Aje – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni
- Mr. Eliel Owubokiri – Ogu/BOLO
- Mr. Thompson Isodiki – Okrika
- Mr. Manager Ikechi Wala – Omuma
- Mr. Fred Apiafi – Opobo/Nkoro
- Mr. Eletuuo Ihianacho – Oyigbo
- Dr. Sam Kalagbor – Port Harcourt
- Mr. Nuka O. S. Gbipah – Tai
New Rivers State Electoral Commission Members:
- Dr. Micheal Ekpai Odey – Chairman
- Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira – Member
- Prof. Author Nwafor – Member
- Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member
- Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor – Member
- Dr. (Mrs) Olive A. Bruce – Member
- Professor Chidi Halliday – Member
The appointments come as a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt scheduled April 14, 2025 to hear a suit filed by human rights lawyer Courage Nsirimovu of Pilex Centre for Civic Education Initiative seeking to halt the appointments. Justice Adamu Mohammed directed that the State Administrator be put on notice to appear and show cause why the appointments should not be stopped, though no restraining order was issued.
This administrative restructuring follows Ibas’ earlier suspension of all boards upon assuming office. The developments mark a significant shift in local governance as the state prepares for potential legal challenges to the appointments.
