The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has ordered the immediate suspension of all political appointees and office holders in the state. This directive, issued on Wednesday, was conveyed through a statement from the Chief of Staff to the Administrator.
The decision follows the powers vested in Ibas by President Bola Tinubu, who recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. Those affected by the suspension include the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs),” the statement read. It further instructed that in cases where no permanent secretary is available, the most senior director or head of administration should assume responsibility.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was sworn in as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 19, 2025, by President Tinubu. His appointment came in response to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Speaking to journalists at the State House after his swearing-in, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to restoring law and order in Rivers State.
“If the main issue is maintaining law and order in the state, then that is the utmost task I have. For any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, peace and stability must be ensured,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure normalcy is restored. The state of emergency in Rivers comes amid heightened political tensions and governance challenges, necessitating federal intervention to stabilize the region.
