President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency to resolve the state’s ongoing political crisis.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the State House on Wednesday, was attended by Attorney General of the Federation Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior aides.
Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency on Tuesday aimed to address the prolonged standoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, despite a Supreme Court ruling on the matter. The president cited escalating political tensions and security concerns as the driving factors behind his decision.
Vice Admiral Ibas, born September 27, 1960, brings decades of experience to the role. He joined the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021. After retiring, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, serving from 2021 to 2023.
