PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State for the six-month emergency rule declared Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The president had during the declaration, suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara along with his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly.
Ibas is to take charge of the affairs of Rivers State and has been briefed on his assignment in Rivers State.
Ibas, while addressing State House correspondents after he was sworn in on Wednesday, said he would work together with all stakeholders to maintain law and order in the state.
Mr Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, and other aides of the President witnessed the short inauguration ceremony at the State House.
“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here, and Mr President made it very clear in his broadcast that the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state.
“I think for any meaningful activities to take place in River State, that is the utmost task.
“I have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order, and security and stability to the people and government of River State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Ibas, born Sept. 27, 1960, was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and held various command positions until President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him Chief of Naval Staff in August 2015.
He held the position until 2021 when he retired from service.
After his retirement, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, where he served between 2021 and 2023.
