The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has suspended all political appointees and office holders in the state. The directive affects key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, commissioners, and heads of agencies.

A statement from the Chief of Staff confirmed that the action was taken under the authority granted by President Bola Tinubu. Suspended officials have been ordered to hand over their duties to Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries and agencies. Where no Permanent Secretary is available, the most senior Director or Head of Administration will take charge.

This decision follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18. President Tinubu had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months, citing political instability and security threats.

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Vice Admiral Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff and ex-Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs during this period. His role includes restoring stability and ensuring smooth governance.

The suspension of elected officials has sparked criticism from legal experts and political groups. The Nigerian Bar Association argued that a state of emergency does not justify dissolving an elected government, calling the action unconstitutional.

Despite opposition, the administrator has moved swiftly to implement changes. The restructuring is expected to define the state’s governance in the coming months.

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