Amid escalating political tension in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the new administrator for the oil-rich South-South state.
Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, was named to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, both of whom have been suspended for six months.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu also announced the suspension of all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The President stated, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the best interest of the 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 within their constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws but will have the authority to formulate necessary regulations. However, these regulations will require approval by the Federal Executive Council and must be promulgated by the President for the state.”
