Why Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas Suspended All Political Office Holders

Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has ordered the immediate suspension of all political appointees and officeholders in the state.

The announcement came in a statement released on Wednesday by the Administrator’s Chief of Staff, who explained that the decision was made under the authority granted to Ibas by President Bola Tinubu.

“The Rivers State Government announces the suspension of political office holders and appointees in Rivers State,” the statement read.

“This is pursuant to the powers conferred on the Administrator of Rivers State, His Excellency, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, by the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

The suspension affects key officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, heads and members of government boards, agencies, and commissions, as well as Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.

The directive, which takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025, instructs the affected officials to hand over their responsibilities to permanent secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

In cases where no permanent secretary is available, the most senior director or head of administration will take over.

Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator on March 19 after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

As part of the intervention, the President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Organised Labour recently condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, warning that it may resort to drastic action that could disrupt the country’s economy if the decision is not reversed soon.