ABUJA, Nigeria — Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly sworn-in sole administrator of Rivers State, has pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to restore law and order in the state.
Ibas made the commitment while addressing State House Correspondents after his inauguration by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
The brief swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and other presidential aides.
Ibas emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State, stating that it is a prerequisite for meaningful development.
“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here, and Mr. President made it very clear in his broadcast that the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state,” Ibas said.
He added, “I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task. I have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order, security, and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.”
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing the prolonged political crisis that has destabilised the state.
He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months, appointing Ibas as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
Ibas, born on 27 September 1960, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
He was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and held various command positions before being appointed Chief of Naval Staff by former President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2015. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2021.
Following his retirement, Buhari appointed Ibas as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, a position he held from 2021 to 2023.
His diplomatic and military background is expected to play a crucial role in navigating the complex political landscape of Rivers State and restoring stability.
The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of elected officials have sparked widespread debate, with stakeholders questioning the constitutionality of the move.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have condemned the action, describing it as an assault on democracy.
However, the federal government has defended the decision, stating that it was necessary to prevent a collapse of governance in Rivers State.
Attorney-General Fagbemi reiterated this position during the swearing-in ceremony, emphasising the need to restore order and address the underlying issues fueling the crisis.
As Ibas assumes his new role, stakeholders are calling for transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to constitutional processes in addressing the challenges facing Rivers State.
