Tinubu appoints former naval chief Ibokette Ibas as Rivers administrator

President Bola Tinubu has imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for a six-month period.  

In response to the situation, Tinubu has appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas, as the interim administrator of the state.

The announcement was made during a national broadcast on Tuesday, where the President outlined his decision to stabilize governance in the region.

“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the 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.

“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,” he said.