President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at approximately 3:00 p.m.
This appointment follows the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, due to escalating political tensions and security concerns. Consequently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.
Vice Admiral Ibas, who previously served as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, expressed his commitment to restoring peace and stability in Rivers State. He emphasized that his primary focus would be on maintaining law and order, working collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve this goal.
The Nigerian Bar Association has criticized the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional, arguing that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments.
