PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, has announced the suspension of all political officeholders in the state.
The suspension, which takes immediate effect, includes high-ranking officials such as the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, commissioners, chairmen, and members of various boards, councils, agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals.
Additionally, all special advisers, special assistants, and senior special assistants have also been suspended.
A statement signed by the Chief of Staff to the administrator, made public on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, instructed the suspended officials to hand over their duties to the permanent secretary of their respective offices.
Where no permanent secretary is available, the most senior director in the office is to assume control.
This move follows the powers conferred on Ibas by President Bola Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
The declaration was made in response to the political instability and crisis in the state.
In addition to suspending state officials, President Tinubu also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The suspension of the political officeholders and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers have sparked significant political debate, with opponents raising concerns about the centralization of power and the potential long-term impact on the state’s governance and democracy.
