President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday met with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ahead of the expiration of the state of emergency declared in the state earlier this year.
The emergency rule, which was declared on March 18, 2025, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly. Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed by the Federal Government to restore order and ensure effective governance following heightened political and security tensions in the oil-rich state.
Although details of the closed-door discussions were not made public, sources said the talks centered on security assessments, governance transition, and preparations for the possible lifting of the emergency measures when they expire on September 18.
The meeting underscores the administration’s resolve to stabilize Rivers State and ensure a smooth transition as the emergency period winds down. It also comes at a time when President Tinubu is away on a 10-day working vacation in Europe, adding urgency to the dialogue on the state’s political and security future.