Amid rising political tension in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s new administrator. This comes after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, marking a significant shift in governance in the oil-rich South-South state.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Fubara, Odu, and the entire state assembly for an initial period of six months, in a bid to address the ongoing political discord that has disrupted governance in the state.
“I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu declared.
Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, takes over the leadership of the state during a time of heightened political instability. As the new administrator, Ibas is tasked with overseeing the state’s operations while the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and the lawmakers is in effect.
However, the President made it clear that the state’s judicial arm would remain unaffected by the state of emergency and continue to function according to its constitutional duties.
In his declaration, President Tinubu also outlined the scope of Ibas’s powers, stating, “The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”
This intervention follows increasing political turmoil between the Rivers State Governor and members of the state assembly, prompting the federal government’s decision to step in and restore order to the state. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as administrator is seen as an effort to bring stability and ensure the continuation of governance in Rivers State during this challenging period.
