The Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration (FREECON) has dragged President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Rivers State Sole Administrator, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), and its Chairman before a Federal High Court. The group is challenging the planned Rivers local government elections set for August 30, 2025.
Group Seeks Injunction
FREECON wants the court to stop RSIEC, its members, and agents from holding elections in Rivers State’s 23 councils. The group also asked the court to restrain RSIEC from publishing or announcing election notices in the media until the case ends.
The group further requested that the RSIEC Chairman be barred from distributing electoral materials in any form until the case is decided.
FREECON Challenges Sole Administrator’s Role
On Monday, FREECON’s lawyer, Amegua Lezina, argued that the court must decide if the President has the power to appoint a Sole Administrator. He said Sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution give that power to the Governor, not the President.
Lezina also claimed that the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibas, holds no position recognized by law. According to him, Ibas lacks the authority to appoint the RSIEC Chairman and members to conduct elections in the state.
Defendants Seek More Time
Counsel to the defendants, Olumede Oluji (SAN), objected that two of his clients were not properly served court papers. He requested more time to respond.
Justice Turaki Mohammed ordered service on the defendants’ counsel and adjourned the case to September 3, 2025. The court gave the defense seven days to file their reply.
Counsel Speaks After Hearing
Speaking after the sitting, Lezina described the Sole Administrator’s office as “a child born out of illegality not recognized by Nigerian law.” He said his client approached the court to nullify the unconstitutional arrangement.
Oluji declined to speak to journalists after the hearing.
