A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed 23rd of January, 2026 to deliver judgment on a suit filed by Civil Society Organization known as Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration against the conduct of the last local government elections in Rivers State.
Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration is challenging the appointment of Chairman and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC by the then Sole Administrator.
It is also the position of the group that President BOLA TINUBU lacks the powers from the constitution of Nigeria to amend the electoral laws upon which the Chairman and members of the RSIEC conducted the LGA election that saw the emergence of the current local government council chairmen and Vices as well as councillors.
When the matter came up in court, counsels to the parties adopted their final written addresses and presiding judge, Justice MUHAMMAD TURAKI adjourned till 23rd of January for judgment.
Speaking to newsmen outside the courtroom, counsel to the plaintiff, AMEGUA LEZINA after narrating what transpired in court, re-emphasized on the position of the law about the action of President TINUBU on the conduct of last LGA election, insisting that no individual can put something on nothing and expect it to stand
It would interest you to know that the Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration is a separate suit is challenging the legality of the National Assembly’s ratification of the appointment of the Sole administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral IBOK ETE IBAS.
The group is questioning the authority of the National Assembly to set up a committee to oversee the emergency rule in Rivers State as well as receipts of the 2025 budget of the state.
Other defendants in the suit which the judge had also adjourned to the 23rd of January for judgment include the Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral IBOK ETE IBAS, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the National Assembly.
