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 announcement came during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, where Tinubu addressed the escalating political and security crisis in Rivers State.
Citing the constitutional provisions under Section 305, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, stating that the move was necessary due to the failure of the governor and deputy governor to formally request federal intervention.
“As a result of this declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected House of Assembly members are suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu stated.
He further clarified that the judiciary remains unaffected, allowing the courts to continue operating without interference.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas has been assigned to oversee the administration of Rivers State but will not have the power to enact new laws. Instead, he will focus on stabilizing governance and addressing the crisis. Any necessary regulations will require approval from the Federal Executive Council and the President before implementation.
The President assured Nigerians that this intervention aims to restore peace and order, ensuring that governance in Rivers State remains functional.
Who Is Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas is a retired Nigerian Navy officer who served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) from 2015 to 2021.
Born in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 26th Regular Course on June 20, 1979, and was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant on January 1, 1983.
His appointment as Rivers State Administrator comes at a crucial time when political tensions and security concerns are at an all-time high.
