The Nigerian president has been greatly criticised since declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. Tinubu is going forward with the swearing-in of the retired vice admiral whom he pronounced the sole administrator of the state during his speech on Tuesday.
The recent explosion in the state remains unhandled. The president had accused the now-suspended government of neglecting the explosion. In his statement on Tuesday, the President said that the government did not “take any actions” after the explosion of a major pipeline.
The former chief of naval staff, Ibas will assume the role without any power to make or change the law. The statement by the President makes that clear “For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.”
Ibas brings with him decades of military experience and the rest of the state seats out the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara.
He has several accolades to his title as a one-time admiral.
As Nigeria’s 22nd chief of naval staff from 2015 to 2021, he was afforded the power to lead a reform effort. This helped streamline the Navy’s operational capabilities for stronger maritime security and oil theft combat.
His leadership skill is also celebrated by many. Ibas was a flag officer responsible for the Western Naval Command. More so, he was chief of logistics at the Western Naval Command and GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited.
