The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has officially handed over power to the reinstated Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, marking the end of a six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
In a farewell state-wide broadcast, Ibas thanked the people of Rivers State for their cooperation during his tenure and called on them to fully support Governor Fubara as he resumes his constitutional responsibilities.
Ibas was appointed by President Tinubu in March 2025 to take charge of Rivers State after a deep political crisis led to a breakdown of law and order. The crisis stemmed from a bitter power struggle between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
With the State House of Assembly split into rival factions and threats of impeachment hanging in the air, President Tinubu invoked Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution and declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara and handing over administration of the state to Ibas.
During his time in office, Ibas said he focused on stabilizing the state, restoring order, and laying the groundwork for democratic governance to resume.
“Six months ago, Tinubu entrusted me with this solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history,” Ibas said in his farewell speech. “Today, I can say with conviction that, by the grace of God and through our collective effort, the mandate has been accomplished.”
He highlighted several key achievements during his short tenure, including:
Restoration of law and order across the state.
Successful conduct of local government elections.
Swearing-in of elected local government chairmen.
Reconstitution of statutory boards and commissions.
Passage of a new state budget by the National Assembly to guide governance.
“These are milestones of progress that reflect the resilience of the people, determined never to let their state slip into paralysis,” Ibas noted.
He also warned against the abuse of power, which he said can damage institutions and democracy.
“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy,” he said.
Ibas expressed gratitude to civil servants, technocrats, and elder statesmen in the state who supported him during the challenging period. He said he was impressed by their dedication to duty and commitment to the state’s stability.
“I have met outstanding men and women across this state bureaucracy, diligent in their duties and devoted to our state. I have benefited from the wise guidance and counsel of statesmen who spoke truth at all moments.”
With Fubara now officially back as governor, Ibas urged all Rivers people to rally behind him.
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.”
He noted that no leader, no matter how capable or visionary, can succeed without the active involvement of the people.
“No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens.”
Rear Admiral Ibas also reflected on his long career in public service — from the Navy to diplomacy and, most recently, governance — describing his time in Rivers as a final chapter of duty and sacrifice.
“For me, this is the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service — at sea, in diplomacy, and now in governance.”
The handover marks a new phase in Rivers State politics, as Sim Fubara returns to office amid high expectations and a call for reconciliation among political actors.
