President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with an air of solemn authority, has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), a seasoned former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the prestigious State House in Abuja at approximately 3:00 pm, was a moment of high tension and significance. The event was graced by key figures in Tinubu’s administration, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a respected military veteran who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, arrived at the Presidential Villa earlier in the day at 12:48 pm, setting the stage for the historic ceremony. His appointment marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis, as he steps into the role of overseeing the affairs of the oil-rich state until stability is restored.
The crisis in Rivers State, which has brought governance to a standstill, stems from a bitter power struggle between the suspended Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This feud has not only paralyzed the state but also raised alarms about the potential collapse of governance in one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions.
In his address, President Tinubu delivered a stern and resolute message: “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.” He emphasized that the suspension of the state’s executive and legislative arms was necessary to restore order, while assuring that the judicial arm would continue to function independently.
The President’s bold move has sparked a flurry of reactions across the nation. While some have praised his decisive leadership, others have questioned the implications of such a sweeping intervention. As Vice Admiral Ibas steps into his new role, all eyes are on Rivers State, waiting to see if this dramatic intervention will pave the way for peace, stability, and a return to normalcy in the embattled region.
