President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State. The ceremony, which took place at the State House in Abuja, took place at around 3:00 pm, with key government officials in attendance.
The swearing-in of Ibas has become a focal point in Nigerian politics, coming at a time when political developments in Rivers State have drawn national attention. The ceremony was witnessed by several prominent figures, including the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
Ibas’s appointment as the sole administrator of Rivers State follows growing political tensions in the state. The former Vice Admiral has now been tasked with overseeing the administration of the state, which has been under scrutiny due to recent political developments. His appointment follows the suspension of Rivers State’s elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the state’s House of Assembly by the federal government, which has raised questions about the legality of such actions.
The timing of Ibas’s swearing-in has attracted significant attention, particularly given the ongoing dispute over the status of the elected government in Rivers State. His appointment is being seen as part of a broader effort by the federal government to assert control over the state’s administration.
The ceremony itself was brief but significant. It took place at the State House, the seat of the Nigerian federal government in Abuja, with President Tinubu leading the proceedings. Ibas arrived at the Presidential Villa at approximately 12:48 pm, and after a short wait, he was sworn into office around 3:00 pm.
Although the ceremony was quiet and low-key, the political implications of the appointment have made it a point of national discussion. Ibas, who is a retired Vice Admiral, is now tasked with managing the affairs of Rivers State in the absence of the elected leadership.
Several top government officials were present at the swearing-in ceremony, highlighting the importance of the appointment. Among those in attendance were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. Additionally, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, was present to witness the appointment, as was Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Principal Secretary to the President.
These figures, all of whom play significant roles in the Nigerian government, highlighted the importance of the occasion and the gravity of Ibas’s new role as sole administrator.
Ibas’s appointment as the sole administrator of Rivers State comes amidst ongoing debates and tensions surrounding the suspension of the state’s elected officials. Critics, including former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, have expressed strong opposition to what they perceive as an undemocratic action by President Tinubu. Amaechi, along with other political figures, has called the suspension of Rivers State’s elected officials a violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, further accusing the President of unlawfully interfering in the state’s governance.
The suspension has stirred a great deal of political controversy, as many Nigerians see it as an unconstitutional move that undermines the democratic process. Amaechi and others argue that no single individual, including the President, should have the power to remove or suspend elected officials without following due process as outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
Given this backdrop, Ibas’s appointment has intensified the political drama in Rivers State, with many questioning whether the move is a genuine attempt at governance or part of a broader power struggle.
Rivers State has long been a hotbed of political activity, with intense rivalries between various political factions. The state’s political landscape is marked by power struggles, especially between the ruling party and opposition forces, as well as between various ethnic and regional interests. The suspension of the state’s elected officials only adds to the tension, as many residents and political observers feel that their constitutional rights are being undermined.
While some have argued that Ibas’s appointment could bring stability to Rivers State, others see it as an unwarranted intrusion into the state’s democratic processes. The appointment of a sole administrator has often been viewed as a sign of federal government control, bypassing the normal democratic channels of governance.
The decision to appoint Ibas has raised concerns about the potential erosion of democratic norms in Nigeria, particularly in light of the current political climate. The Nigerian Constitution is clear about how elected officials can be removed from office, and many argue that the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State constitutes a violation of those constitutional rights.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), a seasoned military officer, is no stranger to leadership. His extensive background in the Nigerian Navy and his retirement as Vice Admiral place him in a unique position to manage the affairs of Rivers State, at least on paper. His military experience may be seen by some as an asset in navigating the challenges that come with managing a state in the midst of political upheaval. However, his appointment has left many wondering whether his military background will allow him to effectively address the issues facing the state, particularly in terms of governance and democratic integrity.
Supporters of Ibas argue that his leadership skills and experience will be key in restoring stability to the state, but critics remain skeptical of the centralization of power and the undermining of democratic institutions.
The reaction to Ibas’s swearing-in has been mixed across the country. Supporters of the federal government have largely welcomed the appointment, viewing it as a necessary step to bring order to Rivers State. They argue that the federal intervention was warranted due to the alleged breakdown of governance in the state.
However, opponents argue that the decision reflects a dangerous precedent for democratic governance in Nigeria. Critics have expressed concern that the federal government’s intervention in Rivers State could be the start of a trend in which state governments are undermined by the central authority, further centralizing power in the executive branch.
Many Nigerians are calling for the return of democratic governance in Rivers State and the restoration of the elected officials who were suspended. The debate surrounding Ibas’s appointment has highlighted the broader concerns about the independence of states within Nigeria’s federal system and the balance of power between the federal and state governments.
