In a dramatic move aimed at resetting the political structure of the state, the Rivers State Government has suspended all political office holders and appointees, effective Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
This sweeping directive was made public via an official statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the State Administrator, and issued on Wednesday.
According to the announcement, the suspension was carried out under the powers conferred on the Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Officials Affected by the Suspension
The suspension affects key political figures and institutions across the state. The list includes:
- The Secretary to the State Government (SSG)
- The Chief of Staff
- All Honourable Commissioners
- Chairmen and Members of Boards, Agencies, Commissions, Institutions, and Parastatals
- All Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants
The statement further instructed all affected officials to hand over immediately to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In any department without a Permanent Secretary, the most senior Director or Head of Administration is to take over operations until further notice.
This order underscores the administrator’s authority and signifies a comprehensive political restructuring effort under federal supervision.
Official Government Statement Extract
“This is pursuant to the powers conferred on the Administrator of Rivers State, His Excellency, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, by the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
“All affected officers are to hand over with immediate effect. Where there may be no Permanent Secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior Director or Head of Administration.”
This development has sparked wide-ranging speculation about the direction of governance in Rivers State, especially in light of recent political tensions. With all political appointees removed from office, governance now rests squarely in the hands of civil servants under the Administrator’s leadership.
The move is being interpreted as a bold effort to reestablish control, streamline governance, and perhaps address internal issues within the state’s administrative framework.
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