Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, paid a visit to the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, where he engaged in a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
This visit follows his recent appointment by President Tinubu to oversee the affairs of Rivers State for a period of six months. The appointment came after the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, a move that was made in response to the ongoing political crisis and rising security concerns.
President Tinubu had invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare emergency rule in Rivers State, an action that resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, as well as all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In his nationwide address announcing the decision, Tinubu stated that the growing tensions and leadership struggle in the state had reached an alarming level, making it necessary for the federal government to step in and prevent further destabilization.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The conflict has led to a deep division within the state’s political landscape, prompting intervention at the federal level.
Explaining his decision, President Tinubu declared:
“After a thorough assessment of the political situation in Rivers State and considering that the Governor and his deputy failed to formally request my intervention as stipulated by law, I am left with no other option but to act decisively in the interest of peace and stability.”
“Effective immediately, from today, March 18, 2025, I am declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. Consequently, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
“To ensure that governance in Rivers State is not disrupted, I have appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of the state. However, I must emphasize that this declaration does not extend to the judiciary, which will continue to function as outlined in the Constitution.”
The visit of Vice Admiral Ibas to the Presidential Villa is a clear indication that discussions are ongoing regarding the implementation of emergency rule and the management of Rivers State during this period of political transition.
Reports suggest that the meeting between Tinubu and Ibas focused on key administrative decisions, security strategies, and governance plans aimed at maintaining stability and restoring order in the state.
It remains to be seen how this intervention will affect the political structure of Rivers State in the coming months, as tensions continue to simmer between rival political factions.
WATCH VIDEO:
State of Emergency: Tinubu meets Rivers sole administrator pic.twitter.com/8cvWYQ205U
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