Ibok-Ete Assumes Office as Sole Administrator at Rivers Government House

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, has officially taken over as the sole administrator of Rivers State. His appointment follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

Arrival in Port Harcourt

Mr. Ibas arrived in Port Harcourt, the state capital, around 11:25 a.m. on Thursday. His arrival coincided with the House of Representatives approving the emergency rule in Rivers State. Later, the Senate also gave its approval with minor modifications.

Earlier this week, President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. He cited escalating violence, including explosions and pipeline vandalism, as reasons for imposing emergency rule. To stabilize the situation, he appointed Mr. Ibas as the sole administrator.

Official Takeover

Upon arrival, Mr. Ibas was accompanied by Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16. Officials from the suspended state government gave him a tour of the Rivers State Government House.

Following the tour, Mr. Ibas held a closed-door meeting with senior security officers, federal government representatives, and state officials. The details of the discussions remain undisclosed at this time.