President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the sole administrator of Rivers State.
The swearing-in ceremony of the former Chief of Naval Staff took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday afternoon.
This is coming after President Tinubu announced a State of Emergency in Rivers State in a national broadcast on Tuesday evening; issued a statement suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly; and proclaimed Vice Admiral Ibas as the Rivers State sole administrator.
Challenge Emergency Rule Declaration in Court - AGF
Meanwhile, Nigeria's Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asked anyone unhappy with President Tinubu's declaration of a State of Emergency, the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers, to approach the National Assembly.
Addressing State House Correspondents on Wednesday, the AGF said the decision was based on the Supreme Court ruling of 28 February 2025, which Governor Fubara refused to obey.
Fagbemi explained that the president mediated in the crisis, but agreements were not implemented. He stressed that the president's action was necessary to forestall threats to national security and the economy.
Fagbemi noted that Governor Fubara did not distance himself from recent threats to oil production, recognizing Nigeria's reliance on oil revenue; adding that President Tinubu could not allow the situation to worsen.
The Attorney General of the Federation assured Nigerians that the federal government was taking the necessary steps to restore peace and stability in Rivers State.
