Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive move to restore governance, order, and security in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, declaring a state of emergency in the state. This action results in the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for a period of six months.
To oversee the administration during this period, President Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retired) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, effective immediately.
Background of the Crisis
The political landscape in Rivers State has been fraught with escalating tensions in recent months. Allegations of gross misconduct, unconstitutional expenditures, and obstruction of legislative functions have been levied against the state’s executive leadership. These issues culminated in a series of confrontations between the executive and legislative branches, leading to a governance impasse.
Presidential Intervention
In response to the deteriorating situation, President Tinubu previously attempted to mediate the conflict. On December 18, 2023, he met with key stakeholders, including Governor Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and other political figures, to broker peace and restore normalcy. Despite these efforts, the crisis persisted, necessitating more stringent measures.
Constitutional Basis for the Declaration
The declaration of a state of emergency is anchored on Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the President to take such action when there is a breakdown of public order and public safety in a state, to the extent that the government cannot effectively function. This measure is aimed at safeguarding democratic institutions and ensuring the welfare of the citizens in Rivers State.
Appointment of Sole Administrator
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retired), the newly appointed Sole Administrator, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His tenure as the Chief of Naval Staff was marked by significant contributions to national security and maritime safety. As Sole Administrator, he is tasked with stabilizing the state’s governance structures, restoring law and order, and preparing the ground for the resumption of democratic processes at the end of the emergency period.
National Reactions
The President’s decisive action has elicited mixed reactions across the nation. Legal experts and political analysts are debating the implications of this move on federalism and democratic governance. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) described the intervention as “extra-legal,” emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional provisions in resolving political crises.
Looking Ahead
The federal government has assured the public that this intervention is a temporary measure aimed at restoring stability in Rivers State. The primary objective is to create an environment conducive to the rule of law, effective governance, and the protection of citizens’ rights. The situation will be closely monitored, with periodic assessments to determine the appropriate time to lift the state of emergency and reinstate the duly elected officials.
PROFILE OF SOLE ADMINISTRATOR FOR RIVERS STATE. VICE ADMIRAL IBAS.
Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR psc+ GSS AM ndc MSc (born 27 September 1960) is a retired Nigerian Navy vice admiral, who was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021. Ibas has held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma and NNS Aradu. He later served on board NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe as a watch keeping officer after he was commissioned sub-lieutenant. He was to later become the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun and NNS Ambe between July 1993 and August 1996 as a lieutenant commander. He was the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from August 1997 to September 1998 and thereafter, the commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka from September 1998 to June 2000. Due to his outstanding performance on the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji from June 2000 to June 2002. He later returned to the college in January 2009 as the director of the Department of Maritime Warfare, a position he held until November 2010. His last sojourn in the college was as deputy commandant from January to February 2014.
Ibas was the naval provost marshal from April 2003 to June 2004 and was later the principal staff officer to the then CNS from June 2004 to July 2005. He was the command operations officer at the Headquarters Western Naval Command, Lagos, from June to December 2006, and from December 2006 to January 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo. The senior officer was later appointed chief staff officer at Headquarters, Naval Training Command, Lagos, from September 2010 to March 2011. In recognition of his versatility in staff duties and administration, the senior officer was appointed to the Naval Headquarters first, as the chief of administration from March 2011 to February 2012 and later as the Navy Secretary from February 2012 to January 2013. Thereafter, he became the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command from January 2013 to January 2014. He was appointed chief of logistics in February 2014 and then the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited in December of the same year. This was the appointment he held until he was appointed the 22nd chief of the Naval Staff on 13 July 2015.
On the 18th of March 2025, he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the Sole administrator of Rivers State, Nigeria subsequent to the announcement of a state of emergency in the state.
As developments unfold, HeadlineNews.news will continue to provide comprehensive coverage and analysis of the situation in Rivers State.
Dr. Amiida
Headlinenews.news
