Rivers’ sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has inaugurated the newly appointed chairman and members of the state civil service commission, contrary to subsisting injunction barring him from doing so.

Peoples Gazette learnt that Mr Ibas inaugurated the members hastily on Monday, flaunting the court order to hold off on the process pending the determination of a suit instituted before it.

The sole administrator swore in the commission members alongside Rivers State Local Government Service Commission and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board among others, calling for an end to mediocrity in public service while advocating merit-driven recruitment, capacity-building and promotion practices.

“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability,” Mr Ibas said. “Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies.”

Justice Frank Onyiri cautioned the sole administrator against the inauguration after parties addressed and adopted their final written addresses on the suit by the chairman and commission members appointed by the now-suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The aggrieved sacked members of the commission, including Goodlife Iduoku Ben, Amadi Christian Echele, Chimenem Wisdom Jerome and three others, had approached the court to challenge their suspension by Mr Ibas.

The claimants contended that the sole administrator lacked the legal powers to remove them from office and appoint a new chairman and members of the commission.

After handing the order on Monday, Mr Onyiri cautioned parties in the matter to maintain the status quo, adjourning the matter until September 29 for judgment.