Tinubu Swears in Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The appointment was confirmed after a brief meeting between Tinubu and Ibas at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday afternoon.

House Of Representatives Silent On Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Rivers State Under Emergency Rule

The decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State was announced in a nationwide address on Tuesday, where President Tinubu cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for his action. The move comes amid an escalating political crisis in the state, which has resulted in governance paralysis and growing concerns over security and stability.

As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months. The suspension has sparked widespread reactions, with some hailing the decision as necessary for restoring order, while others view it as an unconstitutional overreach.

“I cannot stand by and watch the situation continue to escalate without taking action,” Tinubu stated, justifying the suspension of elected officials. The president emphasized that the situation in Rivers State had become untenable and required decisive federal intervention.

Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration

The president’s decision has drawn criticism from key political figures and civil society groups. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana have all condemned the move as unconstitutional. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have also voiced strong opposition, accusing Tinubu of undermining democracy and disregarding due process.

On the other hand, the emergency rule has received backing from factions loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike. The pro-Wike faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule, has defended the president’s decision, accusing Governor Fubara of violating a Supreme Court ruling related to the political crisis in the state.

Who is Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas?

Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas is a retired naval officer with a distinguished career in the Nigerian military. Born in Cross River State, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 and rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Naval Staff in 2015, a position he held until 2021.

Ibas is a respected member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). His contributions to national security and governance earned him the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022, conferred by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

As the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibas has been entrusted with leading the state for the next six months. His primary mandate will be to restore governance and stability while ensuring that the state’s institutions continue to function effectively under emergency rule.

What’s Next for Rivers State?

The imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State sets a significant precedent in Nigeria’s political landscape. The coming months will determine whether the federal government’s intervention will successfully resolve the crisis or trigger further political and legal battles.

With opposition figures calling for a reversal of the emergency rule and pro-Wike lawmakers supporting the intervention, the situation remains tense. Legal experts predict that the matter could be challenged in court, raising further questions about the balance of power between federal and state authorities.

For now, all eyes remain on Vice Admiral Ibas, as he assumes control of Rivers State under unprecedented circumstances. His leadership will be critical in shaping the state’s political future in the months ahead.