My priority is to restore law, order in Rivers – Administrator Ibas

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) has officially taken the oath of office as the Administrator of Rivers State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

His appointment follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the crisis-hit state on Tuesday.

Ibas, who will oversee the state for an initial six-month period, spoke to reporters after the brief swearing-in ceremony, outlining his approach to stabilizing Rivers.

He emphasized his commitment to restoring order, ensuring governance continuity, and fostering dialogue among political stakeholders to resolve the ongoing crisis.

His appointment comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers, with the federal government stepping in to prevent further escalation.

Ibas, a retired naval officer and former Chief of Naval Staff, is expected to use his leadership experience to steer the state towards stability.

“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here.

“Mr. President made it very clear in his broadcast, if the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order and security and stability to the people and government of River State and Nigeria at large.”

Tinubu had cited the protracted political crisis in Rivers State for the decision to impose emergency rule in the state.

While the face-off between Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara escalated, Tinubu revealed that he felt disturbed and needed to take immediate actions to quell the crisis, which he said was depriving the citizens of Rivers the dividends of democracy.