President Bola Tinubu met with Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State. This occurred just 24 hours after the state of emergency declaration. The meeting took place at the Presidential Villa at 12:48 pm local time.
State of Emergency Declared for Six Months
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. He cited political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as his reasons. The declaration suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. This decision followed a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
In his address, Tinubu explained why he made the decision. He revealed that both the Governor and Deputy Governor failed to request a state of emergency. As a result, he had no choice but to act. Consequently, he invoked section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which immediately took effect.
Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as Sole Administrator
To manage the state, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the sole administrator. Ibas, a retired naval officer, served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His appointment aims to restore order in the state and address the long-standing political instability. Ibas will oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy returns.
President’s Statement on the Emergency Declaration
The President highlighted the urgent need for this action. He stated that the Governor and Deputy Governor did not meet the constitutional requirement to request a state of emergency. This left him with no other option but to act. Tinubu also assured that the state’s judicial arm would remain functional, continuing its constitutional duties.
This emergency declaration marks a crucial step toward resolving the crisis in Rivers State. With Ibas at the helm, many hope for stability and improved security in the region. The appointment of a seasoned military figure signifies a shift towards control, aiming to restore order in the troubled state.
