President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator of Rivers State, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, at about 3:00 pm.

In attendance were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola. Ibas arrived at the Presidential Villa earlier, at about 12:48 pm local time.

This development comes after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday night, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats.

The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

As part of the directive, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibas to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored.