Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has announced the immediate suspension of all political office holders and appointees in the state government.
In a statement issued Wednesday by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator, the decision was described as part of the authority granted to Ibas following the federal declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich southern state.
The suspension affects a wide range of senior officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons and members of state boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025,” the statement read. “The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. Where no permanent secretary exists, the most senior director or head of administration shall assume responsibility.”
Federal Takeover Amid Political Crisis
The sweeping administrative changes follow the March 19 swearing-in of Ibas by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State in response to what the presidency described as a breakdown of constitutional order and escalating political instability.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, pending further federal oversight.
Ibas, who previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, has pledged to restore stability and public confidence in governance during the interim period.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” Ibas told reporters at the State House following his swearing-in.
He further emphasized his intent to collaborate with stakeholders and institutions to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition.
The federal intervention in Rivers State—one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive and economically vital regions—has drawn mixed reactions, with some welcoming the move as a step toward restoring order, while others have raised concerns about the precedent it sets for democracy and federalism in the country.
Legal experts and political analysts are closely watching how the situation unfolds, particularly as questions remain about the legal framework for the suspension of elected officials under emergency rule.
President Tinubu has not yet indicated whether further appointments or state elections will follow the temporary federal takeover.
