Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has officially concluded his tenure as the interim administrator of Rivers State, following the end of the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
In a state-wide broadcast aired at 7am on Thursday, Ibas formally announced his departure, marking the conclusion of a controversial but stabilizing period in the state’s political terrain.
At a farewell ceremony held Wednesday evening, Ibas performed his final official duty, the swearing-in of Mrs. Inyingi Brown as the substantive Head of Service of Rivers State.
Brown had been serving in an acting capacity following the resignation of the former Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
Ibas charged her to extend the same level of loyalty and professionalism to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as she did under the interim government.
Reflecting on his time in office, Ibas highlighted the restoration of peace and renewed public trust in government institutions as key accomplishments of his administration.
He described peace as the foundation of his stewardship and urged the incoming administration to build on that legacy.
President Tinubu’s decision to end the emergency rule was widely expected after recent reconciliatory efforts between Governor Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The political crisis that led to the suspension of Fubara and key lawmakers had drawn national attention and sparked intense debate over constitutional boundaries.
