Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), appointed as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed all political officeholders in the state. This action affects the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, commissioners, and leaders of boards, agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals. Special advisers, special assistants, and senior special assistants are also included.
The directive requires these officials to hand over their duties to the highest-ranking civil servants in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. If a permanent secretary is unavailable, the most senior director or head of administration will assume leadership. The suspension took immediate effect on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
This mass dismissal follows an earlier order for all 23 local government councils in Rivers State to submit detailed reports on their operations, staffing, and revenue sources. The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dame Dr. Itong Awani, issued this directive, with a submission deadline of March 26, 2025.
Political analysts view these actions as part of a broader federal strategy to assert control over Rivers State’s political and financial systems. The state has been embroiled in a political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former ally Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Despite a peace deal brokered by President Tinubu in late 2023, tensions have persisted.
The federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns, led to the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator. This move effectively stripped Governor Fubara of his executive powers. The recent dismissal of political appointees further indicates an increased federal presence in this oil-rich region.
