President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich region. The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, at about 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola. Ibas, who previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, arrived at the Presidential Villa at 12:48 p.m. before taking the oath of office.
State of Emergency in Rivers
President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State came on Tuesday night, effectively suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In a national broadcast, Tinubu explained that the move was necessary due to persistent political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats in the state. The crisis in Rivers has been fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, the Governor and Deputy Governor have failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” Tinubu stated.
He added, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025, and I so do.”
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Suspension of Elected Officials
With the state of emergency in place, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended from office. The suspension, which will last for an initial six-month period, leaves the state’s executive and legislative arms under federal control.
However, Tinubu clarified that the judiciary would continue to function as usual.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” he stated.
Ibas Takes Over as Sole Administrator
To oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator, a move he said was in the best interest of Rivers residents.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu announced.
Ibas, a retired naval officer with years of experience in security and governance, is expected to restore stability and ensure that government operations continue smoothly. His appointment marks an unprecedented military-style intervention in the state’s administration.