Ibas Suspends All Fubara Appointees; October Dismissals Confirm

When Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas, retired former Chief of Naval Staff, was sworn in as the sole administrator of Rivers State on March 19, 2025, the political landscape shifted dramatically.

Backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency the day before, Ibas announced on the evening of March 26 that every political appointee of the suspended governor would be suspended effective immediately. The move targeted the Secretary to the State Government, the governor’s chief of staff, all commissioners, board chairpersons, special advisers, senior special assistants and dozens of directors across ministries.

Background to the Emergency Rule

The crisis that led to the federal intervention began in early 2025 when mounting reports of violent clashes between rival factions in the state legislature raised alarms in Abuja. The three‑man faction led by Victor Oko‑Jumbo claimed the legitimacy of the elected house, while the official Rivers State House of Assembly asserted its constitutional authority.

On March 18, after consulting the Minister of Interior and senior security chiefs, President Tinubu invoked Section 147 of the Nigerian Constitution, placing Rivers State under emergency rule for an initial six‑month period. The decree simultaneously suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state assembly.

That night, the president appointed Ibas as the sole administrator, granting him sweeping powers to restore law and order, re‑align state institutions, and oversee a transition back to civilian rule.

Ibas’ Sweep of Political Appointees

The suspension order, signed by Ibas’ chief of staff and released in a circular at Government House, Port Harcourt, stipulated that each suspended officer must hand over duties to the permanent secretary of their ministry. Where a permanent secretary was absent, the senior director or head of administration would assume the responsibilities.

In a swift administrative reshuffle, Ibas appointed Professor Ibibia Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government. During the swearing‑in ceremony, Ibas told Professor Worika to "bring his wealth of experience to bear in the governance of the state," emphasizing the need for technocratic competence amid the turmoil.

Observers noted the breadth of the suspension: 24 commissioners, 12 board chairpersons, 30 special advisers, and over 70 senior officials were affected. The move effectively emptied the governor’s cabinet, leaving Ibas as the sole authority to direct policy until the emergency expired on September 18, 2025.

Reactions and Legal Challenges

The abrupt purge sparked a chorus of reactions. Civil society groups warned that the blanket suspension could undermine institutional memory and delay service delivery. The Nigerian Bar Association filed a petition contending that the president’s emergency powers, while constitutionally valid, should not be used to overturn appointments made by a democratically elected governor without clear evidence of wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, the suspended officials were ordered to report to the permanent secretaries within 48 hours. Many complied, filing handover reports that highlighted pending projects in the oil and gas sector, education, and health. The handover process, however, was hampered by a shortage of senior civil servants—an issue Ibas acknowledged in a press briefing, promising to fast‑track temporary assignments.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria eventually weighed in on the broader Rivers crisis. In a landmark judgment delivered on August 30, 2025, the court declared the three‑man factional assembly led by Victor Oko‑Jumbo unlawful and affirmed the legitimacy of the original elected assembly (now suspended). The ruling also addressed the legality of the emergency decree, stating that while the president acted within constitutional bounds, the subsequent administrative actions must respect due process.

After the Emergency: Dismissals and Future Outlook

When the emergency rule lifted on September 18, the state returned to Governor Fubara’s control, but the political fallout lingered. At the first sitting of the reinstated Rivers State House of Assembly, legislators called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner nominees for screening, alongside the 2025 state budget.

In a surprise move timed with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations on October 1, 2025, Governor Fubara announced the permanent dismissal of all commissioners and public officers whose appointments were linked to the Supreme Court judgment. The statement, issued by his chief press secretary Nelson Chukwudi, read: "The Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect."

During a valedictory session at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara thanked the outgoing cabinet for their contributions over the past two years and pledged to rebuild the administration with renewed vigor. He called on Nigerians to collaborate with President Tinubu to foster a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation.

The October dismissals closed a tumultuous seven‑month chapter that began with the federal emergency declaration. While the legal battles are largely settled, the state still faces the practical challenge of filling the vacated posts, ensuring continuity of essential services, and restoring public confidence.

Historical Context of Rivers State Crises

Rivers State has long been a flashpoint in Nigeria’s oil‑rich Niger Delta, with periodic clashes over resource control, environmental degradation, and political patronage. The 2007 and 2015 crises, both sparked by disputed elections and militia activity, resulted in federal interventions and temporary administrators.

The 2025 emergency echoes those earlier episodes but is distinguished by its swift legal resolution and the unprecedented scale of the administrative suspension. Analysts argue that the crisis underscores the fragility of the state’s political institutions and the need for robust civilian oversight mechanisms.

Looking ahead, the governor’s next steps will likely involve appointing interim commissioners, conducting a transparent screening process in line with the Constitution, and prioritizing infrastructure projects stalled during the emergency. International investors are watching closely, as stability in Rivers State directly impacts Nigeria’s oil export capacity.