There are indications that the appointed Sole Administrator for Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), will not take charge of the state’s affairs until the National Assembly ratifies the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
In response to the growing political crisis that has resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Tinubu declared in a nationwide speech on Tuesday that Vice Admiral Ibas would assume leadership of Rivers State.
Amidst a political impasse between Governor Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), President Tinubu decided to impose a state of emergency and suspend important state officials.
The proclamation seeks to end the protracted crisis that has paralyzed the state’s governance and bring order back.
According to individuals who spoke to TheNation, Vice Admiral Ibas has not yet taken over as leader of Rivers State, despite the President’s announcement. Only once the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency is he anticipated to do so.
Absence of the military In Government House
It’s interesting that there hasn’t been a military presence at the entrance to Government House in Port Harcourt even after a state of emergency was declared, according to TheNation.
Read Also: Breaking: Tinubu Hosts Rivers State Administrator Ibokette Ibas at Presidential Villa
Investigations showed that no military personnel or tanks were positioned at the Government House gates on Wednesday, in contrast to earlier reports that suggested military deployment.
Rather, Department of State Security (DSS) officers were seen roving the property. Near the entrance, two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), which the police frequently station at the Government House, were spotted.
But there were no more troops on hand to impose the state of emergency.
In the meantime, Fubara has left Port Harcourt’s Government House.
It was learned that the governor apparently left on Wednesday morning, before Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of the state, was expected to arrive.
