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After declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has sworn in the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), at the State House, Abuja.

The brief ceremony occurred around 3:00 p.m. and was witnessed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, among others.

Ibas arrived at the Presidential Villa at approximately 12:48 p.m. (local time).

On Tuesday, President Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly, citing instability in the state. However, his decision has been met with widespread criticism.

Tinubu stated that the ongoing crisis has paralyzed governance in Rivers State, saying: “With the crisis persisting, democratic governance—which we have all fought and worked for over the years—cannot thrive in a way that benefits the good people of the state.

“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis began, preventing its residents from enjoying the dividends of democracy.”

He blamed Governor Fubara for demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly, calling the action unjustifiable. He also noted that interventions by prominent figures had failed to resolve the crisis.

He said, “It is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State, for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly as far back as December 13, 2023, and has yet to rebuild it, even after 14 months.

“I have personally intervened between the contending parties to facilitate a peaceful resolution, but my efforts have been largely ignored. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, and patriotic groups have made similar attempts, all to no avail. Nonetheless, I thank them.”

Tinubu further accused Governor Fubara of unconstitutional acts and a disregard for the rule of law:

“On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a judgment on about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State. The court, based on the grave unconstitutional acts and disregard for the rule of law committed by the Governor—evidenced before it—pronounced its ruling in very clear terms,” he said.

He also highlighted the Supreme Court’s emphasis on the absence of a functional government in Rivers State, saying, “A government cannot be said to exist without all three arms of government functioning under the 1999 Constitution (as amended). In this case, the head of the executive arm has deliberately collapsed the legislature to enable him to govern without legislative oversight, effectively ruling as a despot. As it stands, there is no functioning government in Rivers State.”

Before declaring the state of emergency, Tinubu accused Fubara of failing to disown militants who had threatened to destroy pipelines in the state:

“Some militants have threatened fire and brimstone against the governor’s perceived enemies, yet he has not disowned them. Apart from that, both the House of Assembly and the governor have failed to work together. Neither seems to realize that they are in office to serve the peace and good governance of the state,” he said.

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