The Rivers State Government has stated that it is too early to make any comments on the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
President Bola Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, announced the suspension of Governor Siminialayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Shortly after the announcement, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, explained that the government would not be making any official statement at the moment.
He noted that the declaration had just been made, and it was too early to take a stand or offer any reaction.
Johnson said: “The president has made a declaration and what do you think we can say. I think it is too hasty to make any comment about it.”
Tinubu’s Directives in the State of Emergency Declaration on Rivers State
1. Declaration of a State of Emergency – Effective immediately, citing political instability and security threats.
2. Suspension of the Governor and Deputy Governor – Siminalayi Fubara and Ngozi Odu are suspended for an initial period of six months.
3. Suspension of the Rivers State House of Assembly – All elected members of the House of Assembly are suspended for six months.
4. Appointment of A Military Administrator – Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) is nominated to oversee the affairs of the state.
5. Judiciary to Remain Functional – The judicial arm of the state will continue operating normally.
6. Restriction on New Laws – The Administrator cannot make new laws but can propose regulations subject to Federal Executive Council approval.
7. Security Measures – Stern orders given to security agencies to protect lives and oil pipelines from militant threats.
8. Publication in the Federal Gazette – The declaration has been officially documented and forwarded to the National Assembly.
Meet Ibok-Ete Ibas, Rivers State’s New Military Administrator
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, a retired Nigerian naval officer, has been appointed as the administrator of Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This decision follows his years of service in the military and diplomatic roles.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Ibas had a long career in the Nigerian Navy.
He served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 until his retirement in January 2021.
His leadership in the Navy earned him recognition, and in 2021, he was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana.
Ibas started his education at Nko Primary School before completing it at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar, in 1971.
He attended Hope Waddell Training Institute and later the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja.
His military training began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979 as part of the 26th Regular Course.
He was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in 1983 and later took on various leadership roles in the Navy.
During his service, Ibas worked on multiple naval ships, including NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma, and NNS Aradu.
He later commanded key naval institutions, such as the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School and Forward Operating Base Ibaka.
His career included positions in maritime operations, administration, and training, where he played a role in shaping Nigeria’s naval strategy.
Before becoming Chief of Naval Staff, Ibas held leadership positions, including Navy Secretary and Chief of Logistics. After retiring from the Navy, his expertise in security and diplomacy led to his appointment as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, where he represented the country in strategic relations.
Ibas is married to Barrister Theresa Ibas, and they have children. Outside his professional life, he enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and playing golf.
His new role as the administrator of Rivers State places him in charge of overseeing governance and stability in the state.
