President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the interim administrator of Rivers State. This follows the declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich region amid an ongoing political crisis.
Fubara and Family Leave Government House
Shortly after the emergency rule was imposed, the former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, vacated the government house in Port Harcourt alongside his family and security personnel. Sources report that he left late Tuesday night following Tinubu’s proclamation, which suspended his administration for an initial six-month period.
Security presence around the government house remains minimal, with only two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) stationed at the entrance, accompanied by a small group of security operatives. As of Wednesday afternoon, normal activities continued in Port Harcourt, although many residents appeared unsettled by the sudden political shift.
Tinubu’s Justification for Emergency Rule
The political unrest 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 situation intensified following the defection of 27 lawmakers from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), exacerbating governance instability.
In a national broadcast, President Tinubu defended his decision by citing constitutional breaches and security threats, invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to justify his emergency intervention (source).
Who is Ibok Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His appointment as Rivers State’s sole administrator is expected to restore order, with Tinubu emphasizing that the role is temporary and focused on governance continuity.
Mixed Reactions to Tinubu’s Decision
The appointment of a sole administrator has sparked nationwide debate. Critics argue that the suspension of an elected government undermines democracy. Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and other political figures have called on the National Assembly to intervene and reject what they describe as a constitutional violation.
Despite the uncertainty, Rivers State citizens await further legislative deliberations by the House of Representatives and Senate, which have yet to make official statements regarding the emergency rule.
Ibok Ibas Yet to Assume Office
As of Wednesday, 12:50 PM, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas had yet to formally assume office. Reports indicate that preparations are underway at the government house, with military personnel present to facilitate his arrival.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara’s whereabouts remain unclear. Some sources suggest he may still be inside the government house, while others speculate that he has relocated to a discreet location to monitor the unfolding events.
Conclusion
The political crisis in Rivers State remains fluid, with stakeholders closely watching developments. As the Tinubu administration moves forward with its decision, attention now shifts to how the state legislature, judiciary, and citizens will respond to this unprecedented governance shift.
For the latest updates on Rivers State’s political landscape, stay tuned to Vanguard News.
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