Port Harcourt, March 26, 2025 – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has dismissed all political officeholders in the state. This decision, which took immediate effect, was announced in an official statement released on Wednesday.
Who Was Sacked?
The order affects many top government officials, including:
- The Secretary to the State Government
- The Chief of Staff
- All Commissioners (heads of different ministries)
- Chairmen and members of boards, agencies, and commissions
- Special advisers and assistants
These officials were told to hand over their responsibilities to senior civil servants in their ministries. If a Permanent Secretary is not available, the most senior director will take charge.
Why Did This Happen?
This mass suspension comes after a recent directive requiring all 23 local government councils in Rivers State to submit detailed reports on their work, staff, and finances. The order was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dame Dr Itong Awani.
Political analysts believe this move is part of a larger plan by the federal government to strengthen its control over Rivers State.
Background: The Political Battle in Rivers State
Rivers State has been in a serious political crisis between:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- Former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory
The conflict started as a fight over political appointments and state resources. It got worse when lawmakers loyal to Wike tried to remove Governor Fubara from office.
Even after President Bola Tinubu intervened in 2023, tensions remained. A few weeks ago, the federal government declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, saying it was due to security concerns. This led to the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, stripping Fubara of his powers.
What Happens Next?
With this latest move, the federal government now has even more control over Rivers State. Experts believe this could be about more than just politics—it may also be a way to take charge of the state’s huge oil and financial resources.
Many people in Rivers State are waiting to see what happens next, as the political battle continues.
