In a decisive move to address the political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas as the state’s administrator. This follows the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The Announcement: A New Leader for Rivers State
President Tinubu made the announcement during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, where he addressed the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State. The President declared a state of emergency in the state, citing the breakdown of governance and the inability of the contending parties to resolve their differences.
As part of the measures to restore order, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their place, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (retd.) as the interim administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
“Meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” Tinubu stated. “For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”
Who is Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas is a retired naval officer with a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy. His appointment as the administrator of Rivers State brings a wealth of experience in leadership and crisis management.
Ibas’s military background is expected to play a crucial role in restoring stability and order in the state, which has been plagued by political infighting and governance challenges. His mandate will include overseeing the day-to-day administration of the state and ensuring the implementation of policies that promote peace and development.
The State of Emergency: A Necessary Intervention
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State comes after months of political crisis, marked by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly. The situation escalated to the point where governance was severely disrupted, and the state was left in a state of paralysis.
President Tinubu’s intervention underscores the federal government’s commitment to restoring normalcy and ensuring that the people of Rivers State have access to the dividends of democracy.
What This Means for Rivers State
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as administrator signals a new chapter for Rivers State. During the six-month suspension period, Ibas will be tasked with addressing the immediate challenges facing the state, including:
- Restoring peace and order.
- Ensuring the smooth functioning of government operations.
- Implementing policies that promote economic growth and development.
- Preparing the ground for the eventual return of democratic governance.
While the judicial arm of the state will continue to operate independently, the administrator will have the authority to formulate regulations necessary for the effective administration of the state. These regulations will, however, require the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the President.
A Call for Cooperation
President Tinubu urged all stakeholders in Rivers State to cooperate with the new administrator and support efforts to restore peace and stability. He emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency was not intended to undermine democracy but to create an environment where democratic governance can thrive.
“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole,” Tinubu said.
Read also: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State”
A Path to Recovery
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State marks a critical step toward resolving the political crisis and restoring governance in the state. As the people of Rivers State look to the future, there is hope that this intervention will pave the way for peace, stability, and progress.
