President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. Ibas was sworn in during a brief meeting with the president on Wednesday afternoon, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
The appointment comes after Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The president emphasized that he could not allow the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to continue unchecked.
The Unprecedented State of Emergency Declared in Rivers State
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu announced the state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with many legal experts, political leaders, and organizations condemning the move.
Prominent figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Femi Falana, as well as groups like the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have rejected the suspension of democratically elected representatives.
Nigerians’ Mixed Reactions to the Emergency Rule
While the emergency rule has faced criticism from many quarters, it has been praised by the pro-Nyesom Wike faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule. The faction accused Governor Fubara of violating a Supreme Court ruling on the state’s political situation, justifying Tinubu’s intervention.
The appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator is seen as an attempt to restore order and stability in the state, which has been embroiled in political turmoil.
Who Is Ibok-ete Ibas?
Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) is a seasoned military officer with a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy. Born in Cross River State, Ibas attended the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 and rose through the ranks to become Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021.
Ibas is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management. In 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred him with the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in recognition of his service to the nation.
Implications of the Appointment
The appointment of Ibas as Sole Administrator marks a significant development in Rivers State’s political crisis. As a retired naval chief with extensive experience in leadership and governance, Ibas is expected to bring stability and address the challenges facing the state.
However, the suspension of elected officials and the imposition of emergency rule have raised concerns about democratic governance and the rule of law. Critics are now arguing that the move undermines the principles of democracy, while supporters believe it is necessary to restore order.
Why It Matters
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Ibok-ete Ibas as Sole Administrator of Rivers State reflects the federal government’s commitment to resolving the state’s political crisis. While the move has sparked controversy, it also offers an opportunity to address the underlying issues and restore peace and stability.
As Ibas assumes his new role, Nigerian citizens, if not the world at large watches closely to see how his leadership will shape the future of Rivers State.
