In a swift response to the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of the Rivers state. The brief ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, at about 3:00 pm on Wednesday.
Dignitaries present at the event included 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.
On Tuesday night, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats as key factors. The declaration resulted in the suspension of 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.
President Tinubu, in his national broadcast, stated,
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, 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.”
The crisis in Rivers State is rooted in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The tensions have significantly disrupted governance in the oil-rich state, prompting the federal government’s intervention.
The Role of Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas
With the declaration of a state of emergency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) has been tasked with overseeing the state’s administration until stability is restored. As a former Chief of Naval Staff who served from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibas brings extensive experience in leadership and crisis management to his new role.
President Tinubu emphasized that the state of emergency does not affect the judiciary of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
The imposition of a state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator have stirred mixed reactions across the nation. While some view it as a necessary step to restore order, others express concerns about the implications for democracy in the state.
With Vice Admiral Ibas at the helm, all eyes are on how effectively he navigates the complex political landscape of Rivers State to restore stability and foster unity.
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