Vice Admiral Ibas takes oath of office as Rivers state administrator

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has sworn in retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

This appointment follows the president’s suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for six months—a drastic measure aimed at restoring order in the troubled state.

Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has been entrusted with overseeing the administration of Rivers State. However, his mandate does not include enacting new laws. The declaration of emergency rule underscores the federal government’s concern over the prolonged political instability in the state.

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With a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 before retiring in January 2021. Following his retirement, he was appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana by former President Muhammadu Buhari in June of that year. His contributions to national service were further recognized in October 2022 when Buhari conferred upon him the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).