NEWS
Lawyer Petitions Court To Declare Rivers Sole Administrator’s Appointment Null
A lawsuit has been filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
The legal action seeks to nullify his appointment and bar the President from making similar decisions in other states.
The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/572/2025, was initiated on Tuesday by Abuja-based lawyer Johnmary Jideobi, who argues that the appointment violates Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, is listed as the 1st defendant, while the Attorney-General of the Federation, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd.), and the Attorneys-General of the 36 states are named as the 2nd to 39th defendants.
Jideobi is urging the court to declare all decisions made by Ibas in his capacity as Sole Administrator unconstitutional and of no effect.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
He is also seeking an order preventing the President from appointing Sole Administrators in any state across Nigeria.
Through a team of lawyers led by Chimezie Enuka, the plaintiff is asking the court to rule on the following:
“Whether the President has the constitutional power to remove, suspend, or interfere with the tenure of an elected governor or deputy governor.
“Whether the suspension of the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor on March 18, 2025, was lawful.
“Whether the Constitution permits the appointment of a Sole Administrator to govern a state.
Jideobi contends that the only lawful means of removing a governor are outlined in Sections 180, 188, 189, 305, and 306 of the 1999 Constitution, none of which provide for the appointment of a Sole Administrator.
The plaintiff is asking the court to: overturn the suspension of the Rivers State Governor and Deputy Governor, Invalidate the appointment and swearing-in of Ibas as Sole Administrator, Order Ibas to immediately vacate the Government House in Rivers State and Issue an injunction stopping the President from appointing Sole Administrators in any Nigerian state.
In a 32-paragraph affidavit, Jideobi insists that Nigeria operates a federal system of government, where elected governors are not subject to presidential removal.
“As a lawyer, I have never seen the term ‘Sole Administrator’ in the 1999 Constitution,” he asserted.
He further argued that allowing the President to make such appointments could set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to political instability in the country.
No hearing date has been scheduled yet.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 73rd birthday anniversary.
According to Gov Adeleke, the number one citizen of Nigeria is “a resourceful democrat with tested decades of democratic activism”
In a birthday message he personally signed, Gov Adeleke recounted the huge contributions of Mr President to the economic and democratic development of the nation, citing his transformational days as the Lagos State governor and his ongoing bold reforms at the national level.
ALSO READ: Okpebholo Orders Full Investigation Into Barbaric Killing Of Armed Fulani Civilians In Uromi
The governor who lauded the president’s capacity to make bold decisions noted that this birthday is “an occasion to reflect on the goodness of Almighty God in the life of the first family and especially that of the Number One Citizen.
“Your life typifies divine grace and exceptional blessings from the beginning to date. You are a chosen one with all attributes of a blessed leader.
“Mr President, I pray that the divine hand that has been your guide and nurturer will continue to strengthen you as you govern this strategically important country of Africa.
“I use this opportunity to restate the continued commitment of the Osun state government under my leadership to closer mutual partnership between the Federal and the Osun state government. Mr President can count on us in the common task of delivering good governance and democratic dividends to our people.
“Our dear Asiwaju and Commander in Chief of this federation, as you celebrate your 73rd birthday, I pray to God to grant you more blessings and grace to continue to succeed in your presidential mandate and to live for more years in good health and prosperity.
“Happy blessed birthday, Mr President,” Gov Adeleke wrote.
The Kano State Police Command has refuted reports circulating on social media about an alleged attack on an 18-seater passenger bus in the state, calling the claims false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, dismissed the reports and urged the public to disregard them.
“The report is completely false and misleading. There was no such attack, and the public should not be misled by unverified information circulating online,” Kiyawa stated.
READ ALSO: Billions Lost As Fire Razes Kano Market, Recycling Hub
He reassured residents of the police command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse communities.
To address the spread of misinformation, the police have launched an investigation to identify the source of the false report. Authorities warned that those responsible would face consequences.
“The command urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that can incite fear, panic, and unrest in society,” Kiyawa added.
The police also advised citizens to rely on credible sources for information and avoid sharing unverified claims that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Saudi Arabia has announced the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, confirming that Eid al-Fitr will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
The announcement was made on Saturday via Haramain’s official Facebook page, stating, “The crescent moon for the month of Shawwal 1446 was sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025.”
READ MORE: Troops Thwart Terror Plot During Eid-El-Kabir Celebrations In Kaduna
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and prayer, and is celebrated with communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity.
With Saudi Arabia’s confirmation, many countries that align their Islamic calendar with the kingdom are expected to follow suit, while others may conduct their own moon sightings to determine the date of the festival.
Muslims worldwide are preparing for the celebrations, which include special prayers, family gatherings, and the giving of alms, as part of Islamic tradition.
Adeleke Felicitates Tinubu @73
Otti Commends NDDC, Charges Team Abia To Dominate NDSF
Tinubu Assents To Investments And Securities Act 2024
Lagosians Hail Impact Of ADF’s National Food Relief Programme
Viral Bus Attack Report Is False – Kano Police
