Rivers State Crisis: Tinubu, Sole Administrator Ibas Hold Closed-Door Talks

Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, was seen at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, where he held a private meeting with President Bola Tinubu.

Ibas’ visit comes weeks after Tinubu wielded executive authority to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly. Citing constitutional violations and escalating security concerns, Tinubu justified his intervention under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.

The political turmoil stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The deepening rift led Tinubu to install Ibas as interim administrator for an initial six-month period.

During his national address, Tinubu emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the governor and his deputy failed to seek federal intervention as required by law.

“This decision became inevitably compelling in the face of worsening instability,” Tinubu declared. “The judicial arm of Rivers State remains unaffected and will continue its constitutional duties.”

The closed-door discussions between Tinubu and Ibas signal ongoing strategic maneuvers as Nigeria’s political landscape watches closely.