KEY POINTS
- Rivers State suspends all political appointees, including the SSG, commissioners, and special advisers, effective immediately.
- The order, backed by President Tinubu’s authority, mandates handovers to senior civil servants to maintain governance continuity.
- Analysts link the move to deeper political tensions, with potential implications for state-federal relations and upcoming elections.
In a dramatic move signaling a complete restructuring of Rivers State’s governance, the state government under the leadership of the Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas has suspended all political office holders and appointees effective immediately.
The sweeping directive by Ibas, issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, affects top officials including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, commissioners, board members, and special advisers.
According to Channelstv, the decision from Ibas was announced in a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator of Rivers State, citing the powers conferred on Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas by President Bola Tinubu.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025,” the statement declared, ordering affected officials to hand over responsibilities to permanent secretaries or senior directors in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Political turmoil triggered suspension from Ibas
The mass suspension from Ibas comes amid escalating tensions in Rivers State’s political landscape. Analysts suggest the move may be linked to ongoing power struggles between state and federal authorities, particularly following recent disputes between former local government chairmen and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“This is not just an administrative decision—it’s a political reset,” said Dr. Kolawole Akinade, a political science lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt. “The timing suggests deeper conflicts within the state’s leadership, possibly tied to federal intervention.”
The suspended officials include:
- The Secretary to the State Government
- The Chief of Staff
- All commissioners
- Board and agency chairpersons
- Special advisers and assistants
To ensure minimal disruption, Ibas has mandated a structured transition. Where permanent secretaries are unavailable, the most senior administrative officers will assume control. Observers warn, however, that the abrupt nature of the suspensions could create temporary governance gaps.
“The real test will be how smoothly operations continue in key sectors like health, education, and infrastructure,” noted civil society activist Amina Okechukwu. “If replacements aren’t named quickly, service delivery could suffer.”
The Rivers State administration has yet to clarify whether this suspension precedes permanent dismissals or a broader reorganisation. Speculation is rife that new appointments may align with federal interests, reshaping the state’s political trajectory ahead of future elections.
