PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has named Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the military administrator of Rivers State, amid ongoing political tensions in the oil-rich South-South region.
Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, was appointed to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, both of whom have been suspended for six months.
The announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast today.
In addition to the governor and his deputy, Tinubu also suspended all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In his declaration, Tinubu stated:
“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 are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
The president further clarified that Vice Admiral Ibas would oversee the state’s administration in the interest of its people.
However, he emphasized that the judicial arm of government would remain operational.
“The administrator will not enact new laws but may introduce necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President,” Tinubu added.