In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. The retired naval chief was sworn in following a brief meeting with the president on Wednesday afternoon.
This appointment comes after Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The president’s decision, made public during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, was based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, citing the need to address the escalating political unrest in the state.
Tinubu’s actions, including the suspension of the state’s elected officials, have sparked condemnation from various notable figures and groups, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Femi Falana, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Labour Party (LP).
They argue that the suspension undermines democratic principles. However, the move has found support among members of the pro-Nyesom Wike Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, who accuses Fubara of violating a Supreme Court ruling concerning the political situation in the state.
Ibas, who served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, brings extensive experience to the role. Born in Cross River State, he completed his early education there before attending the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979.
Over the course of his distinguished naval career, Ibas rose to the position of Chief of Naval Staff, earning recognition for his service, including being conferred with the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.
As the new Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibas will oversee the state’s governance during this period of emergency. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing political challenges.
