From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), into office for the next six months.
Ibas was sworn into office at about 03:00 PM at the State House, Abuja, by President Tinubu.
The brief ceremony was witnessed by the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; and Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
On Tuesday, Tinubu, in a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending 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.
Ibas served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking to State House Correspondents, Ibas outlined his immediate priorities for the troubled state.
Addressing the expectations placed upon him, he acknowledged the challenging circumstances that led to his appointment, stating, “We know the circumstances that brought us here.”
He emphasised the need for restoring law and order, noting, “For any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, maintaining peace, order, security, and stability is the utmost task.” He pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve these goals, ensuring stability for both the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
“I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have—to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order, security, and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large,” he said.