By Damilola Adeleke

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has dismissed all political office holders in the state. This move affects officials appointed by the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, commissioners, board members, and heads of agencies. Special advisers, senior special assistants, and special assistants are also impacted.

According to a government directive, these officials must hand over to the permanent secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Where no permanent secretary is available, the most senior director or head of administration will assume leadership.

This sweeping decision follows the powers granted to Administrator Ibas by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. The emergency declaration, announced in a national broadcast, resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.