The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), paid a private visit to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday as the political crisis in the state deepens.
Ibas arrived at the forecourt of the Villa around 12:48 p.m. for a closed-door meeting with the President. Details of their discussion remain undisclosed, but the visit is believed to be part of ongoing consultations over the running of Rivers State under the declared emergency rule.
His visit comes weeks after President Tinubu appointed him as the sole administrator of Rivers State for six months, following the controversial suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Tinubu Declared a State Of Emergency, Suspended Fubara
President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. He cited rising political tensions and worsening security concerns as the reasons for the drastic action.
In his nationwide broadcast, Tinubu explained that the leadership crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—had pushed the state to the brink of chaos.
“After carefully assessing the political situation in Rivers State, and since the Governor and his deputy did not formally seek my intervention as required by law, I have no choice but to act in the interest of peace and stability,” Tinubu said.
The President announced the immediate suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and all elected lawmakers in the state for an initial six-month period.
Retired Admiral Now In Charge
To ensure continuity in governance, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator. However, he clarified that the judiciary remains functional and unaffected by the suspension.
Since taking charge, Vice Admiral Ibas has been overseeing the affairs of the state amid growing political tension and public reactions. Wednesday’s meeting at the Villa signals that consultations are ongoing regarding the next steps for Rivers State.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Governor Fubara had vacated the Government House following his suspension. Nollywood actress and activist, Hilda Dokubo, also raised concerns that Tinubu’s move was aimed at capturing the economic lifeline of the oil-rich state.
As the drama continues to unfold, all eyes remain on Abuja to see what decisions will shape the future of Rivers State in the coming days.