In a significant development following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the newly appointed Sole Administrator, arrived at the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, March 20, 2025. His arrival marks the beginning of a critical phase in the state’s governance, as he steps into a role designed to restore stability amid a prolonged political crisis. Shortly after landing in the state capital, Ibas wasted no time, diving into a closed-door meeting with senior security officials and key stakeholders to address pressing concerns.
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A Grand Entrance to a Tense Situation
Vice Admiral Ibas touched down at Port Harcourt International Airport around 11:25 a.m. WAT, greeted by a formal reception that included top state officials and a robust security detail. Accompanied by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 16, Ibas proceeded directly to the Government House along Azikiwe Road. His arrival came just a day after his swearing-in by President Tinubu on Wednesday, March 19, reflecting the urgency of his mandate to stabilize the oil-rich state.
Upon reaching the Government House, Ibas was conducted on a brief tour by state officials before heading into the Executive Council Chambers. There, he convened a high-stakes meeting with senior security officers, a federal government delegation, and select state government personnel. The closed-door nature of the discussion has left the public awaiting further details, but early indications suggest a focus on security and administrative priorities in the wake of the emergency declaration.
Context of the Appointment
Ibas’s appointment follows President Tinubu’s invocation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on March 18, which suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. The move, ratified by the House of Representatives on March 20 and pending Senate approval as of March 21, 2025, was framed as a response to an escalating political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister. Tinubu cited threats to national security, including alleged militant activities targeting oil infrastructure, as justification for the drastic intervention.
The former Chief of Naval Staff brings a wealth of experience to the role. Born on September 27, 1960, in Cross River State, Ibas served as Nigeria’s naval chief from 2015 to 2021, earning a reputation for combating piracy and oil theft in the Niger Delta. His subsequent tenure as High Commissioner to Ghana further honed his diplomatic skills, making him a strategic choice to navigate Rivers State’s complex political and economic challenges.
Initial Actions and Promises
Though details of the security meeting remain under wraps, Ibas offered brief remarks to the press, signaling his intent to prioritize stability. “I want to thank you all for what you have been doing so far,” he said, acknowledging the efforts of those who preceded him. “When I got in here, I decided to meet with the Head of Service and service commanders for a formal briefing. I assure you that later this evening, I will address you on some issues you want to know.” His comments suggest a forthcoming public statement, potentially outlining his roadmap for the state.
Ibas also expressed a personal connection to Port Harcourt, calling it “my city” and noting its calm atmosphere upon arrival. “All we want is for Port Harcourt to get back to where it has always been,” he added, hinting at a vision to restore the state’s economic and social standing. Given Rivers’ pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil industry, his early engagement with security chiefs likely centers on safeguarding critical infrastructure—a task aligned with his naval background.
A State in Transition
The Government House, typically a hub of elected leadership, now operates under federal oversight, with Ibas as its sole authority. Reports from earlier in the week noted a heavy military presence at the premises, including armed soldiers and armored personnel carriers deployed since Tuesday night. This security buildup, confirmed by Rivers State Information Commissioner Warisenibo Joe Johnson, underscores the gravity of the transition and the federal government’s determination to assert control.
Despite the political upheaval, life in Port Harcourt appears to be stabilizing. Residents have largely resumed daily activities, a point Johnson emphasized in a separate interview. However, the presence of Ibas and his security-focused agenda signal that the state remains on edge, with the success of his tenure hinging on his ability to quell unrest and rebuild trust.
National Spotlight and Future Steps
Ibas’s arrival has drawn national attention, coming hours after the House of Representatives approved Tinubu’s emergency declaration with a unanimous voice vote. The Senate’s impending decision, expected soon, will finalize the legal framework for his six-month term, though provisions allow for an earlier end if stability is restored. Meanwhile, opposition leaders like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have condemned the move as unconstitutional, setting the stage for a broader political showdown ahead of the 2027 elections.
As of March 21, 2025, Vice Admiral Ibas stands at the helm of Rivers State, tasked with steering it through a turbulent chapter. His initial security meeting marks the first step in a delicate balancing act—maintaining order while addressing the underlying tensions that prompted the emergency rule. Whether he can deliver on his promise to return Port Harcourt to its former glory remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes are on the retired naval chief as he assumes this unprecedented role.
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