A new sheriff is in town. The newly appointed Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has taken over the reins of authority in the state, shortly after both chambers of Nigeria’s legislature endorsed the emergency rule for the state.
Ibas, who was sworn in on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:25 a.m. on Thursday, March 20.
He was received by top officials and guarded by military security personnel, befitting his status as a retired naval Admiral.
The Sole Administrator, accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, immediately proceeded to Government House, Port Harcourt.
He replaced Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, now suspended by the president.
In a short interview at Aso Villa moments after being sworn in, Ibas remarked that his main task was to restore peace, order, and stability. Whether these were already lacking in the state depends on whom you ask.
Shortly after his arrival, Admiral Ibas went into a closed-door meeting with senior security officers, a Federal Government delegation, and state government officials.
It is expected that he may make a statewide broadcast later today.
It remains to be seen whether his appointment and the controversial suspension of elected state officials will ease the two-year-long tense political atmosphere in the state, fueled by the power struggle between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
