Tinubu swears in Ibas as Rivers sole administrator

By Emmanuel Kwada

President Bola Tinubu has sworn in the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd) into office.

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 witnessed the brief ceremony which took place at about 03:00 pm at the State House, Abuja.

Recall that on Tuesday evening, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following the nagging political crisis in the state, which culminated in the bombing of two oil installations by militants.

He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu as well as all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Tinubu cited prolonged political instability

In a national broadcast where he made the proclamation, Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for his action.

He noted that the turmoil made it imperative for him to take the action in order to restore peace and stability to the state as he would not fold his hands and watch the state go down in the raging political upheaval.

While also explaining the rationale behind the sole administrator’s appointment, the president said: “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.