Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas to meet SSG, Commissioners, other top officials Monday

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is set to visit the State Secretariat on Monday, March 24, 2025.

This was confirmed in a government circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of Rivers State, instructing all civil servants to be present at work and provide their Nominal Roll for inspection.

The circular, signed by Dr. George C. Nwaeke, reads:

“I hereby write to inform you that His Excellency, Vice Admiral (Rtd), Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Administrator, Rivers State, will be visiting the State Secretariat on Monday, 24th March, 2025. In light of the above, you are requested to inform ALL your staff to be on duty on the said date.”

“Also, make available copies of your Nominal Roll for sighting. Please ensure strict compliance.”

The announcement follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the controversial removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, which has sparked nationwide debate.

Ibas, who was appointed days ago, has moved swiftly to assert federal control over the oil-rich state. He arrived in Port Harcourt on Thursday and held closed-door meetings with senior security officials, a federal government delegation, and key state government operatives.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives have endorsed Tinubu’s emergency declaration, though opposition figures continue to challenge what they describe as an unconstitutional takeover.

In a further move, the Senate approved the creation of a Joint Ad Hoc Committee to oversee Rivers State’s administration under the emergency rule.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated that “the President may review or terminate the state of emergency at any given time, but not later than six months.”

Additionally, the Senate invoked Section 11(4) of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the National Assembly the authority to establish an oversight body for the governance of Rivers State.

To ease tensions, Akpabio announced the formation of a reconciliation panel composed of respected figures to mediate between political factions.

“The Senate further resolved that a committee of eminent Nigerians be set up to reconcile the warring groups within the period of the state of emergency,” he added.