Amid the political tension in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator in the oil-rich South-South state.

Ibas was Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021.

At a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President appointed Ibas to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu who were both suspended for six months.

Aside from the governor and his deputy, Tinubu also suspended all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Tinubu said, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.”