A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt city; state capital on Monday under Justice Frank Onyiri, has barred the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), from inaugurating the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission.

While addressing their final written suit and adopting them, the judge stated that the ban is pending the court’s judgment on the substantive suit by some agrieved sacked members.

Recall that Ibas had suspended some heads and boards of some agencies in the state, including the Rivers State Services Commission and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The suit was filed by the chairman and members of the Rivers State Services Commission whom had been appointed by the suspended Governor, Siminialayi Fubara; who challenged their getting suspended by Ibas.

The claimants included; Goodlife Ben, Amadi Echele, Chimenem Jerome, and three others.

Meanwhile, the defendants include the Sole Administrator Ibas, the accountant general of the state, Access Bank, Zenith Bank and 11 others.

In their affidavit signed by Goodlife Ben, the claimants said it was not within Ibas’ legal rights to remove them and plan to replace them.

They argued that they were legally appointed and confirmed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and that before they were issued letters of appointment by the suspended governor, the records of their confirmation were with the clerk of the House.

Onyiri further urged the parties involved to maintain the existing status quo, and adjourned the case till September 29, 2025, for judgment.