President Bola Tinubu has ordered Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to step down and hand over to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This decision effectively ends the emergency rule imposed in March due to a prolonged political crisis.
The directive marks a return to democratic governance in Rivers State, with Governor Fubara and the state legislature set to resume office on September 18, 2025. This move quashes attempts by some lawmakers to extend Ibas’ emergency rule by three months.
As part of the transition, Ibas has been directed to prepare a comprehensive handover report. The report will detail funds inherited, revenue generated, expenditures, and projects executed during his tenure as Sole Administrator.
The decision to end the emergency rule aligns with the wishes of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers APC leaders, who opposed extending Ibas’ tenure. The emergency rule was declared in March due to a political crisis between Fubara and Wike, which had paralyzed governance and threatened national stability in Rivers State.
With the emergency rule coming to an end, Governor Fubara will resume office, and the state will transition back to democratic governance. The handover report will provide transparency and accountability for the period under emergency rule
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