Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas has officially assumed duty as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu. The former Chief of Naval Staff arrived at the Government House in Port Harcourt at noon on Thursday, marking the beginning of his six-month tenure after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly due to the ongoing political crisis in the state.
His arrival was preceded by a formal reception at the airport, led by the Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke. He was accompanied by key security officials, including the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, and the Commander of 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force. Also present were the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director of Energy Security from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Upon his arrival at the Government Ibas, the Rivers State Sole Administrator proceeded to the State Executive Council Chambers, where he was received by Permanent Secretaries. He subsequently held a closed-door meeting with security heads, including the Commissioner of Police, the DSS Director, the Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretaries.
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Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Ibas stated that discussions with security heads were ongoing and that he might be able to provide further details later in the day. He assured the public that the situation in Rivers State appeared calm and pledged to restore complete normalcy in the state.
Ibas’ assumption of office comes just two days after his appointment by President Tinubu. Prior to his arrival in Rivers State, he met with the President on Wednesday and was sworn in at the State House in Abuja.
