“Tinubu Suspends Rivers Governor, Appoints Vice Admiral Ibas as State Administrator”
By SpringsNewsNG Media Limited | March 18, 2025
Amid rising political tensions in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu hashttp://Amid rising political tensions in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the military administrator of the oil-rich South-South state. The move comes after the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021, will oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months. Tinubu made this announcement in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, citing the need to maintain order and stability in the region.
“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 of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu said.
The President clarified that the judicial arm of the state remains unaffected and will continue to function in line with its constitutional mandate. He also emphasized that Ibas will not have the power to make new laws but may formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
Political analysts view this decision as a significant intervention in the governance of Rivers State, which has been experiencing heightened political unrest in recent months. The appointment of a retired naval chief as administrator signals the federal government’s intent to restore stability and security in the state.
