Meet Vice Admiral Ibokette, Rivers State Administrator

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The emergency declaration was prompted by widespread vandalization of oil pipelines and infrastructure. Tinubu stated that despite the crisis, former Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to engage with the federal government to address the situation.

“As a result of this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu announced.

He further clarified that while the judicial arm of government in Rivers State would remain functional, the newly appointed Administrator would oversee the state’s affairs in the interim.

“The Administrator will not enact new laws but may introduce necessary regulations to carry out his duties. However, such regulations must be reviewed and approved by the Federal Executive Council before being promulgated by the President,” Tinubu stated.

The declaration has been officially published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly, in line with constitutional provisions. The president expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State while reinforcing adherence to constitutional processes among political stakeholders.