Tinubu, Rivers administrator Ibas hold private talks at Presidential Villa
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, visited the Presidential Villa on Wednesday for a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
His visit comes weeks after Tinubu appointed him to oversee Rivers State for six months following the declaration of a state of emergency.
President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to impose emergency rule, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a nationwide address, Tinubu justified his decision by citing growing political tensions and security concerns in the state.
According to him, the leadership crisis in Rivers had reached a dangerous level, necessitating urgent intervention.
The conflict in the state stemmed from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Explaining his actions, Tinubu stated:
“After carefully assessing the political situation in Rivers State, and since the Governor and his deputy did not formally request my intervention as required by law, I have no choice but to act in the interest of peace and stability.”
“With immediate effect from today, March 18, 2025, a state of emergency is declared in Rivers State. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
“To ensure governance continues smoothly, I have appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State. However, this declaration does not affect the judiciary, which will continue operating as mandated by the Constitution.”
Ibas’ visit to the Presidential Villa suggests ongoing discussions about the state’s administration under the emergency rule.
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State of Emergency: Tinubu meets Rivers sole administrator pic.twitter.com/8cvWYQ205U
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