By Ghazali Ibrahim 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (RTD.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, at approximately 03:00 pm.
The brief ceremony was witnessed by top government officials, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their place, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator, with a mandate to oversee governance but not to enact new laws.
Instead, Ibas will formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
The judiciary will continue to function independently, President Tinubu emphasized.
The President noted that the intervention was not intended to undermine the democratic process but to restore the foundations of good governance and ensure the well-being of the people of Rivers State.
Vice Admiral Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
His appointment as sole administrator is aimed at restoring order and stability in Rivers State, which has been plagued by a prolonged political crisis.
