The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced the immediate suspension of all political appointees and office holders in the oil-rich Nigerian state.
The decision, effective from Wednesday, March 26, 2025, was communicated in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator. The statement cited the powers granted to Mr. Ibas by President Bola Tinubu as the basis for the suspensions.
Those affected by the directive include the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all state commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
The statement instructed the suspended officials to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). In cases where there is no permanent secretary, the handover is to be made to the most senior director or head of administration.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was sworn in as Sole Administrator of Rivers State on Wednesday, March 19th, by President Tinubu. This followed the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
President Tinubu also suspended the elected Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Upon assuming his role, Mr. Ibas pledged to maintain law and order in the state. Speaking to reporters after his swearing-in, he stated that ensuring law and order was his “utmost task” to facilitate any meaningful activities in Rivers State. He also promised to collaborate with other stakeholders to restore order in the region.
The suspension of political appointees marks a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which has drawn national and international attention. The move consolidates the authority of the Sole Administrator appointed by the federal government.
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