In a decisive move to restore stability in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, at approximately 3:00 PM on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The brief but significant event was attended by top government officials, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
Ibas’ appointment follows Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State due to a prolonged political crisis that has crippled governance in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months.
A Military Leader Takes Charge
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a seasoned military officer and former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), now assumes control of Rivers State at a time of political uncertainty.
Born in Cross River State, Ibas had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, serving from 1979 until his retirement in 2021. His tenure as CNS under former President Muhammadu Buhari was marked by significant efforts to combat piracy, oil theft, and other security threats in Nigeria’s coastal waters.
Throughout his military career, Ibas earned a reputation as a disciplined and strategic leader. His expertise in maritime security and crisis management made him a trusted figure within the armed forces.
His appointment as Rivers State’s sole administrator signals the federal government’s intent to prioritize security and stability in the state.
The Crisis That Led to Emergency Rule
Rivers State has been at the center of a heated political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The rift between the two former allies escalated into a full-blown power struggle over the control of the state’s political structure.
This battle led to legislative conflicts, a breakdown in governance, and security concerns. The crisis intensified in recent weeks, with reports of rising tension, pipeline explosions, and threats of mass protests by civil servants and political supporters.
In his national broadcast on Tuesday night, President Tinubu cited constitutional breaches, governance paralysis, and security threats as reasons for declaring a state of emergency. He emphasized the need for urgent intervention to restore order and ensure the protection of lives and property in Rivers State.
What Ibas’ Appointment Means for Rivers State
With his appointment, Vice Admiral Ibas now holds full executive authority over Rivers State, making critical decisions without the presence of an elected governor or legislature. His leadership will be crucial in navigating the state through this turbulent period.
1. Restoring Security and Stability
Given his military background, Ibas is expected to take a firm approach to restoring law and order in the state. Security operations will likely be intensified to prevent further unrest and ensure the smooth running of government activities.
2. Addressing Governance Paralysis
One of Ibas’ immediate challenges will be ensuring that government institutions function effectively despite the suspension of elected officials. Civil servants and government agencies will look to him for direction on policy execution and administrative stability.
3. Managing Political Tensions
While the state of emergency aims to restore order, it has also sparked controversy. Supporters of Fubara and Wike may resist the federal government’s intervention, leading to potential protests and political pushback. Ibas will need to carefully navigate these tensions to prevent further division.
Reactions to the Appointment
The declaration of a state of emergency and the appointment of a sole administrator have drawn mixed reactions from political analysts and stakeholders.
Some argue that the move was necessary to prevent further chaos in Rivers State, which is a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy due to its oil wealth. Others, however, see it as a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic governance and state autonomy.
Opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have condemned the move, calling it an overreach of federal power. Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) insists that the decision was taken in the best interest of the people of Rivers State.
Vice Admiral Ibas now faces the daunting task of stabilizing Rivers State and preparing the ground for a return to democratic governance. The next six months will be critical in determining whether the emergency rule succeeds in restoring peace or exacerbates existing tensions.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Ibas and his ability to lead Rivers State through this period of uncertainty. Will his military expertise translate into effective governance, or will the crisis deepen under emergency rule? The coming months will provide the answers.
