Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has suspended all political appointees and office holders in the state.
The suspension takes immediate effect.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday, 26 March, signed by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator.
According to the statement, the decision was made in line with the powers granted to Ibas by President Bola Tinubu.
According to the statement, those affected include: the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
The statement indicated that the suspension takes effect from Wednesday, 26 March 2025.
“The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” part of the statement read.
Ibas was appointed as sole administrator by President Bola Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended the governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and House of Assembly members on Tuesday, 18 March. Ibas was sworn in on Wednesday, 19 March.
The former Chief of Naval Staff has taken some steps to set governance in motion after his appointment which, according to President Tinubu, will be for an initial period of six months. Ibas had after his swearing, pledged commitment to ensuring maintenance of law and order.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.