President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, following weeks of political unrest in the oil-rich state. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, with Tinubu urging Ibas to restore peace and stability in the state.
The appointment comes amid a deepening political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The crisis has paralyzed governance and heightened tensions, prompting the federal government to intervene.
Vice Admiral Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, is expected to bring his wealth of experience in leadership and crisis management to the role. In his acceptance speech, Ibas pledged to prioritize reconciliation and ensure the smooth running of the state.
The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some stakeholders welcoming the appointment as a necessary step to restore order, while others see it as an overreach of federal power.
As Ibas assumes office, all eyes are on Rivers State, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis and a return to normalcy.