President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Western Post Online previously reported that Ibas, a retired senior naval officer, had arrived at the State House ahead of the event. Tinubu announced Ibas’s appointment during a live nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, citing the need to act in the interest of the people of Rivers State.
“In the interim, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) has been appointed Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs,” Tinubu declared.
He emphasized that the directive does not impact the judicial arm of government, which will continue to function as outlined in the Constitution. The appointment comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, with further developments expected in the coming days.
Meanwhile, an explosion near the under-construction Bodo-Bonny Road has affected a key hydrocarbon delivery channel capable of transporting 180,000 barrels of crude per day to the Bonny Export Terminal.
State of Emergency: Fubara Breaks His Silence
Meanwhile, the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has finally spoken out following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday night, Tinubu announced the state of emergency, suspending the governor, his deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The president appointed Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, as the military administrator of the state. In a statement personally signed by him, Fubara urged the public to remain calm, emphasising that he has always prioritised the welfare of the people since taking office.
The statement reads:
My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State. Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong, and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
