President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd) as the Administrator of Rivers State following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly.
The decision, announced during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, comes amid escalating political turmoil and security concerns in Rivers State. The President stated that the drastic measure was necessary to restore order and ensure governance in the oil-rich state.
While suspending the executive and legislative arms of government, Tinubu clarified that the judiciary remains unaffected and will continue to function. He also noted that Ibas, in his new role, will not have the authority to enact new laws but will focus on stabilizing the state’s administration.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu stated in his address.
He further explained that any regulations necessary for governance under Ibas must be approved by the Federal Executive Council before being implemented.
The declaration of a state of emergency follows weeks of heightened political disputes between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The crisis has sparked protests and concerns over the stability of Rivers State, a key economic hub for Nigeria.
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President Tinubu defended his decision, citing constitutional provisions and a Supreme Court ruling that questioned the legitimacy of the state’s governance due to the ongoing political rift.
“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu added.
Who Is Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd) is a retired military officer who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. Born in Nko, Cross River State, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 as part of the 26th Regular Course and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1983.
With extensive experience in military leadership and security operations, Ibas is expected to oversee Rivers State’s administration during the six-month emergency period. However, the decision has already sparked debates over its legality, political motivations, and potential impact on democracy in Nigeria.
As reactions continue to pour in, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how this emergency rule will unfold.