‘Unconstitutional’ Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Hands Over To Fubara Via Statewide Broadcast, Urges Unity And Support

The outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Thursday formally handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara via a statewide broadcast, urging the people of the state to support the governor as he resumes his duties.

In his broadcast, Ibas confirmed Dr. Inyingi Brown as the substantive Head of Service for Rivers State, a position she had been serving in an acting capacity since the resignation of her predecessor.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere remained calm, with no reported disturbances, but the whereabouts of Governor Fubara were still unknown, amid speculation that he might arrive today. Hundreds of residents had gathered at the main entrance to Government House, Port Harcourt, singing and celebrating in anticipation of his return.

Appointed six months ago by President Bola Tinubu to stabilize Rivers amid political turmoil, Ibas said his tenure had delivered “milestones of progress,” including the conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.

“Governance is a living process that requires vigilance, sacrifice, and dialogue,” Ibas said, warning that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.” He urged political actors to manage differences peacefully, stressing that the health of the polity depends not on who wins or loses but on the strength of institutions and the unity of the people.

Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the assignment, Ibas praised security operatives for maintaining peace and commended the resilience of Rivers residents.

“Now, as I hand back the reins of leadership to His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I call all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility. No matter how competent or how clear your vision may be, it can only thrive with the active support of citizens,” he added.

Ibas prayed that Rivers State would never again be brought to the brink of collapse and urged unity over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis.

President Tinubu had in March declared a state of emergency in Rivers following months of political crisis that paralysed governance and threatened security in the oil-rich state. Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator after the dissolution of political structures to restore order. On Wednesday, Tinubu formally ended the emergency rule, paving the way for the return of full democratic governance.

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