On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged political crisis.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly.
To oversee the state’s administration during this period, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as the interim administrator.
Key Facts About Rivers State’s New Administrator:
- Former Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021) – Ibas served as Nigeria’s top naval officer under President Muhammadu Buhari.
- Born in Cross River State – He had his early education in his home state before joining the military.
- Military Career – He enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979, building a distinguished career in the Navy and rising to the highest ranks.
- Professional Affiliations – Ibas is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
- National Honors – In 2022, President Buhari awarded him the national honor of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).
- Family Life – He is married and has three children.
The declaration marks a significant political shift in Rivers State, as Vice Admiral Ibas takes charge of governance in the oil-rich region during the emergency period.