Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu swore in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), the sole administrator for Rivers State, at the State House.
The development followed the proclamation of a ‘state of emergency’ in Rivers State yesterday by the president.
Ibas, a retired vice admiral, said he will work with stakeholders to achieve peace in the state.
His swearing-in follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by Tinubu, and further suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and members of the state’s legislature.
Rivers State has been embroiled in a protracted political crisis due to pa ower struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over control of the political structure of the state.
Meanwhile, both chambers of the National Assembly failed to approve the emergency rule on Wednesday and have adjourned til Thursday.
The leader of the senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, put up the motion that the debate on the emergency rule be “stepped to the next legislative day.”
The minority leader, Abba Moro, seconded the motion.
It was put to a voice vote by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the majority of lawmakers at the plenary supported the delay.
Section 305(6) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, requires the approval of the National Assembly before a state of emergency proclaimed by the President can become effective.
