Barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspending the Sim Fubara and his officials, he has sworn in the newly appointed sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The swearing-in ceremony took place at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and was attended by top government officials, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
Vice Admiral Ibas had arrived at the State House earlier at around 12:48 p.m. before proceeding to the formal swearing-in. Following the ceremony, he is expected to commence his duties as the sole administrator overseeing the governance of Rivers State during the emergency rule period.
On Tuesday evening, President Tinubu took the extraordinary step of declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. The proclamation led to the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats, Tinubu justified the decision as a necessary measure to restore peace and order. The political crisis in the state has been fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Related: Senate Delays Decision on Rivers State Emergency Rule Until 3 PM
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) to oversee the administration of Rivers State until stability is restored. Ibas, a retired naval officer who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to steer the state through the transition period and ensure effective governance.
In his national address announcing the state of emergency, President Tinubu provided a legal basis for his decision, referencing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He explained that Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Odu had failed to request the proclamation of emergency powers, compelling him to act in the interest of national security and governance.
Read also: State of Emergency: Fubara Breaks Silence, Responds to Suspension, Tinubu’s New Order in Rivers
“Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and given that the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State 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, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025,” Tinubu stated.
He further assured the public that the judicial arm of government in Rivers State remains unaffected and will continue to function as mandated by the Constitution.
The swearing-in of Vice Admiral Ibas solidifies his role as the sole administrator and marks the official commencement of his responsibilities in Rivers State.
