Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025

By Joshua Ogbologugo

The newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas, has assumed duty.

He was accompanied by security heads, including the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, and the Commander of 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force.

Others were the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director, of Energy Security, Office of the National Security Adviser.

Upon arrival, the administrator proceeded to the State Executive Council Chambers, where he was received by Permanent Secretaries.

He immediately held a closed-door meeting with security heads, the CP, the DSS Director, the Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretaries.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Sole Administrator noted that discussions were still ongoing with security heads.

He said he may be able to speak further later in the day.

He, however, said that the situation in Rivers State appears calm, pledging to ensure that the situation is completely brought to normal.

Ibas resumed duty about two days after he was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to take charge of the state’s affairs.

He will be in charge of the state for six months after Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly owing to the unending political crisis in the state.

Ibas had met with Tinubu on Wednesday and was thereafter sworn-in at the State House in Abuja.