President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency, Appoints Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Rivers State Administrator

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retired) as Rivers State's new Administrator, after suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state's House of Assembly.

This was stated in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, amidst escalating political and security issues in Rivers State.

In his address, President Tinubu reaffirmed that the judiciary in Rivers State would not be touched by the suspension and would still perform its constitutional functions. He also clarified that as much as Vice Admiral Ibas would be responsible for the state's affairs, he would not possess the ability to pass new legislation. However, Ibas could formulate regulations required for his duty, which then have to be debated and approved by the Federal Executive Council before being promulgated by the President.

President Tinubu's declaration was published in the Federal Gazette and a copy was forwarded to the National Assembly as required by the constitution. He stated that he hoped the appointment would bring stability to Rivers State and peace would return, remembering that all political leaders were bound by the constitution.