BREAKING: Tinubu nominates Vice Admiral Ibas as Rivers state administrator

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State, tasking him with overseeing the state’s affairs for the next six months.

This decision follows Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday evening due to ongoing political unrest and instability.

As part of the emergency measures, the president suspended the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state assembly.

According to the president, “In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

“It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

However, Tinubu clarified that the judicial arm of the state would remain unaffected, continuing to function in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.