THE six-month emergency administration in Rivers State formally came to an end at midnight yesterday with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas handing over his final duties before leaving office.
President Bola Tinubu had imposed emergency rule in the state on March 18, 2025, following a deepening political crisis.
Yesterday, he announced the official termination of the measure, paving the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to return to full constitutional authority.
In one of his last acts in office, Ibas presided over the swearing-in of Inyingi Brown as the substantive Head of Service of Rivers State.
Brown had previously served in an acting capacity after the resignation of George Nwaeke.
Ibas urged her to demonstrate the same loyalty to Governor Fubara’s administration as she did under the interim government.
Delivering his farewell address at 7 a.m. today, the outgoing administrator highlighted his achievements, stressing that restoring peace and rebuilding public confidence were central to his stewardship.
He called on the incoming leadership to consolidate the gains of stability and mutual respect established during his tenure.