Rivers State has appointed new administrators for all 23 local government areas following the Supreme Court’s cancellation of the last local council elections.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, and the appointments officially began on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who currently oversees the state as Sole Administrator, made the appointments to fill the leadership vacuum at the local level.
In Abua/Odual, Mr. Okroiyobi Animiete was appointed; Mr. Goodluck M. Ihenacho will oversee Ahoada East, while Mr. Promise Jacob is now in charge of Ahoada West. Dr. Tamunotonye Peters was selected for Akuku Toru, Surveyor Atajit Francis for Andoni, and Barrister Ibiapuve Charles for Asari Toru. Mr. Kingsley N. Banigo now heads Bonny, Dr. Sokari Ibifuro Francis takes over Degema, and Dr. Gloria Obo Dibiah will handle affairs in Eleme.
Other appointees include Barrister Franklin P. Ajinwon for Emohua, Dr. Onyemachi S. Nwankwor for Etche, and Professor Gospel G. Kpee for Gokana. Mr. Isaiah Christian Nobuawu is now in charge of Ikwerre, Dr. Barinedum Nwibere for Khana, and Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter for Obio Akpor. Dr. Chukwuma Aje was given the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni position, Eliel Owubokiri will serve Ogu/Bolo, while Mr. Thompson Isodiki was assigned to Okrika.
Also appointed were Manager Ikechi Wala for Omuma, Mr. Fred Apiafi for Opobo/Nkoro, and Eletuuo Ihianacho for Oyigbo. In Port Harcourt, Dr. Sam Kalagbor now takes the lead, while Mr. Nuka O. S. Gbipah has taken over in Tai.
Alongside the local government appointments, the state also named a new leadership team for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. Dr. Micheal Ekpai Odey will serve as Chairman, while Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor Author Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha, Professor Joyce Akaninwor, Dr. Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday were appointed as members.
