Rivers Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas Makes Promises As He Assumes Office

Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has made promises after assuming office.

Newsone Nigeria had reported earlier that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, south-south Nigeria.

President Tinubu announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2025, over the political crisis and instability in the state.

The president said Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the State; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly are “hereby suspended for an initial period of six months”.

“Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do,” the president said.

During the broadcast, the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and nominated retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former chief of naval staff, as the state administrator.

On Thursday, March 20, 2025, President Bola Tinubu justified his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying that the crisis was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations.

The President also said the Rivers crisis was undermining the national economy and the progress his administration has made in the reforms initiated since it commenced in May 2023.

President Tinubu lauded the National Assembly for the ratification of the state of emergency proclamation in Rivers State.

According to him, the declaration of emergency rule is a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.

The President specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership — Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and other principal officers and members – for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations.

President Tinubu further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.

“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” Tinubu noted.

“As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation. This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability.”

Speaking after assuming office as Rivers Sole Administration, Ibas assured residents that his role is non-political and aimed at restoring governance and stability.

In a state broadcast on Thursday, Ibas, who officially commenced his duties at Government House, Port Harcourt, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring citizens’ safety.

He, however, issued a strong warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to reject any attempts to reignite past hostilities.

He described the prolonged political crisis as a major setback for governance and democracy in the state and acknowledged the hardships families and businesses have endured due to the ongoing uncertainty.

Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu for his decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, calling it a necessary step to restore order and revive economic activity.

He assured that he would uphold the rule of law, but warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.

“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people.

“My mandate is clear: to restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

“But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he said.

He revealed that a State Security Council meeting had been convened, during which strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.

Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, Ibas also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.

Ibas added: “I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater.”