Rivers State Political Crisis: Sole Administrator Arrives Govt House

The Sole Administrator for River State, Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd), has arrived in the state to resume duties.

President Bola Tinubu, had, on Tuesday, declared a state of emergency in the state, appointing Ibas to take over.

Upon arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:25 am today, the Sole Administrator received by top officials and security personnel.

He was accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju and the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, immediately proceeded to Government House, Port Harcourt afterwards.

Tinubu who accused the state governor, Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building, also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.

The president also suspended all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubu said.

READ ALSO: Why Rivers State Is Going Through Protracted Political Crisis -Fubara

This decision comes hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The meeting which began around 3pm, also had Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in attendance.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, also arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.