The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed October 13, 2025, for hearing in a suit filed by a civil society group, the Initiative for Freedom, Conflict Prevention and Social Integration (FREECON), challenging the legality of the appointment of a Sole Administrator in Rivers State and the constitutionality of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

FREECON is asking the court to determine whether, by the combined reading of Sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), President Bola Tinubu has the power to create or appoint a Sole Administrator or any other authority to usurp the governor’s constitutional powers in appointing the RSIEC chairman and members.

The group is also seeking clarity on whether the Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who they argue is not recognized by the Constitution, can lawfully appoint the RSIEC chairman and members vested with the responsibility of conducting elections across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

When the matter came up on Wednesday, counsel for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) applied to be joined in the suit. The application was not opposed by the claimants and was subsequently granted by the presiding judge, Justice Turaki Mohammed.

Defence counsels also notified the court of their preliminary objection on the issue of jurisdiction. Claimants’ counsel, Amegua Lezina, acknowledged receipt of the objection and confirmed that their response on points of law had been filed.

After hearing from parties, Justice Mohammed adjourned the case to October 13, 2025, effectively removing the matter from the vacation court schedule.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel ______________________________________________________________________ Groundbreaking Guide For Lawyers: Adigwe Publishes ‘Artificial Intelligence For Lawyers’ With Free Research eBook As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.” Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating: "....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic." How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626 Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. _______________________________________________________________________

“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof

Two leading books on electronic evidence by Hon. Justice Professor Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, Rtd., PhD, FICMC, are now available for purchase. The publications, Electronic Evidence (Second Edition), With The Evidence Act, 2011 and Compendium Of Cases On Electronic Evidence, Volume II, 2020–2025, provide practical guidance, legal analysis and recent judicial authorities on electronic evidence in Nigeria.Order directly from the author here: https://velvety-cendol-7387ed.netlify.app/ _______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence

Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via: 0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888 Website: www.alexandernigeria.com

________________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation _______________________________________________________________________ LAWBREED NEW WIG SPECIAL OFFER — Give a newly called lawyer a lasting professional gift. Get up to 20% off selected LAWBREED Supreme Court Reports, plus access to My S.C Extra, featuring Supreme Court judgments from 1972 to date. Call/WhatsApp: 08077011741 | 08077011755 | 08077011730 | 08023269613 Email: orders@lawbreed.com | mails@lawbreed.com LAWBREED — Equipping You For Greater Success! _______________________________________________________________________