Just In: Timeline for Ibas to Take Over from Fubara as Rivers Administrator Emerges

Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), who was appointed as Rivers State’s only administrator, is reportedly not going to assume leadership of the state’s operations until the National Assembly has approved the state of emergency that President Bola Tinubu has declared.
Following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly due to the growing political crisis, Tinubu declared in a nationwide speech on Tuesday that Vice Admiral Ibas would assume leadership of Rivers State.
President Tinubu’s move to suspend important state officials and impose a state of emergency coincides with a political impasse between former Governor Nyesom Wike, who is currently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Governor Fubara.
The declaration attempts to bring the state’s government back to normal and end the protracted crisis.

Despite the President’s announcement, Vice Admiral Ibas has not yet taken over as Rivers State’s leader, according to individuals who talked to TheNation. Only after the state of emergency is approved by the National Assembly is he anticipated to take this action.

Lack of Military Presence At the Government House
Curiously, TheNation reports that no military personnel have been stationed at the gate of Government House in Port Harcourt in spite of the declaration of a state of emergency.

No military personnel or tanks were positioned at the Government House gates on Wednesday, contrary to earlier rumors that suggested military deployment, according to investigations.

Department of State Security (DSS) officers were seen patrolling the grounds instead. Two armored personnel carriers (APCs), which the police frequently post at Government House, were spotted close to the entrance.

Read Also: Just In: Tinubu and Rivers Administrator Ibokette Ibas Hold Talks at Presidential Villa

There were no extra military forces on hand to implement the state of emergency, though.

Fubara, meantime, has left Port Harcourt’s Government House.

According to information obtained, the governor apparently left on Wednesday morning before Ibas, the recently appointed state’s new sole administrator, was expected to arrive.