- Rivers State's Sole Administrator Ibas suspended political appointees in the state
- The suspension affected key officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, commissioners, and special advisers
- Ibas emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order to restore stability in Rivers State
Following the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputies, Sole Administrator Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has issued the suspension of all political appointees and officeholders in the state.
The suspension, announced on Wednesday, March 26 affected a wide range of officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons, and members of various boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals.
Rivers state suspends political appointees, others
Additionally, all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants have been suspended. The Chief of Staff to the Administrator outlined that the suspension took effect on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in a statement that was released.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs,” the statement read in part.
The decision was made under the powers granted to Ibas by President Bola Tinubu, who had previously declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Affected officials were instructed to hand over their duties to the permanent secretaries in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Ibas outlines priorities for Rivers state
In cases where there were no permanent secretaries, the officials were to transfer responsibilities to the most senior director or head of administration.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on March 19, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Their suspension is set for an initial period of six months.
Speaking to the press after his swearing-in, Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, emphasised his commitment to restoring order in the state.
He stated, "For any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, maintaining law and order is my top priority." He further assured that he would collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure stability in the state.
Rivers’ HoS resigns as Ibas appoints new SSG
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Dr George Nwaeke resigned as Rivers State Head of Service, following the suspension of former Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Vice Admiral Ibas thanked Nwaeke for his contributions and wished him well in future endeavours.