Tinubu Swears-In Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas Takes Office
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The brief swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja at approximately 3:00 pm 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, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; and presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Background of the Emergency Declaration
The swearing-in comes a day after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday. Citing political instability and security concerns, Tinubu suspended 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.
The declaration followed a protracted political crisis in the state, fueled by a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis escalated in recent months, leading to the defection of 27 pro-Wike lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the burning of the state assembly complex.
Profile of Ibok-Ete Ibas
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, brings a wealth of experience in leadership and governance to his new role. As sole administrator, Ibas will oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period, with a mandate to restore stability and ensure the smooth functioning of governance.
However, President Tinubu clarified that Ibas will not have the authority to make new laws, as the state’s legislative functions remain suspended. His primary focus will be on managing governance and addressing the security and political challenges that prompted the emergency declaration.
Implications of the Sole Administrator’s Appointment
The appointment of a sole administrator marks a significant shift in Rivers State’s governance structure, effectively placing the state under direct federal control. While the move aims to restore order and address the political crisis, it has sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and legal experts, who argue that it undermines democratic principles and sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in state affairs.
Critics have also questioned the constitutionality of suspending a democratically elected governor and legislature, with human rights lawyers describing the move as illegal and politically motivated.
Next Steps
As Vice Admiral Ibas assumes office, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in Rivers State. The sole administrator’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape and restore stability will be critical to the success of the emergency measures.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly is expected to debate and decide on the emergency declaration during its plenary session, as President Tinubu seeks legislative approval in line with Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The situation in Rivers State serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of political instability in Nigeria and the need for dialogue and peaceful resolution to crises. The outcome of this intervention will have far-reaching implications for the state’s political future and Nigeria’s federal structure.
