In a major shake-up, Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), appointed by President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed all political officeholders in the state.
The sweeping directive affects key officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, board members, heads of agencies, and special advisers. It also applies to special assistants and senior special assistants.
A statement from the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, issued on Wednesday, instructed affected officials to hand over their responsibilities to the highest-ranking civil servants in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. Where no permanent secretary is available, the most senior director or administrative head will take over. The directive takes effect immediately, starting March 26, 2025.
This mass removal follows an earlier order requiring all 23 local government councils in Rivers State to submit detailed reports on their operations, staffing, and financial status. The leaked memo, issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Local Government Affairs, Dame Dr. Itong Awani, mandated all Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to provide a breakdown of their activities by March 26, 2025.
The report demanded details on council functions, payroll numbers, revenue streams, ongoing and completed projects over the last two years, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
Political analysts see these moves as a federal effort to consolidate control over Rivers State’s governance and finances. The state has been embroiled in a prolonged political struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former ally, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Their feud, initially centered on political appointments and resource control, escalated when Wike’s loyalists in the state legislature attempted to oust Fubara. Despite a peace deal brokered by President Tinubu in late 2023, tensions remained high.
The situation reached a boiling point weeks ago when the federal government declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing security concerns. This decision effectively sidelined Governor Fubara, transferring executive authority to Vice Admiral Ibas.
Now, with the dismissal of political appointees, the federal grip on Rivers State tightens further, raising speculation that beyond restructuring the political landscape, the ultimate goal may be securing full federal oversight of the state’s vast economic resources.
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