This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
Ibok-Ete Ibas, who serves as the sole administrator of Rivers State, has taken immediate action to suspend all political appointees and office holders in the state.
According to a statement that was released on Wednesday March 26, the Chief of Staff to the Administrator stated that the decision was made in accordance with the authority that President Bola Tinubu has delegated to Ibas.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons, and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants, are among those who are impacted by this particular situation.
It reads, “This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration.”
On Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers state due to the political crises and instability that has been plaguing the state.
Additionally, Tinubu placed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and other members of the Rivers assembly, under suspension for a term of six months.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who had previously served as Chief of Naval Staff, was also appointed by Tinubu to serve as the sole administrator for a period of six months.
On Thursday, March 20, the National Assembly adopted the proclamation and gave it its final approval.
The Rivers State Sole Administrator Ibas Ibas assumed duty on March 20 warned against sabotage and disruption.
He stated that his job is to restore law and order, stabilize the polity, and provide the required atmosphere for the full restoration of democratic institutions through the establishment of the essential conditions.
Ibas made this information public through a broadcast that took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt, a few hours after he took office.
Ibas said, “Those who seek to sabotage the social or economic stability of Rivers State and national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish or destructive gains, will find no tolerance for their actions.
“There will be no room for lawlessness. No space for violence and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being. We will not act arbitrarily.Â
“But neither will we hesitate to enforce the law when necessary. Let no one be in doubt, we will uphold justice and fairness but we will also ensure that civil order prevails.”