*Appoints ex-Naval Chief Ibok Ibas as Administrator
In what can be regarded as a decisive step to protect lives and property in the oil rich state, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the widespread vandalization of oil pipelines and the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to engage with the federal government on the crisis.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu also announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
To oversee the state’s affairs during this period, the president has appointed former Chief of Naval Staff,
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) as Administrator.
He said, “In the interest of the good people of Rivers State, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok Etete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs. For clarity, this declaration does not affect the judiciary, which will continue to function in line with its constitutional mandate.
Tinubu further disclosed that while the Administrator will not enact new laws, he will have the authority to formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
The President said, “The declaration, now published in the Federal Gazette, has been forwarded to the National Assembly in compliance with constitutional requirements.
Tinubu also expressed hope that his intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State, urging all political stakeholders to uphold their constitutional responsibilities for the stability of both the state and the country.
