Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd.), has suspended all political office holders and appointees across the state with immediate effect.

The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator, citing the powers vested in Ibas by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Rivers State Government announces the suspension of political office holders and appointees in Rivers State. This is pursuant to the powers conferred on the Administrator of Rivers State, His Excellency, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, CFR, by the President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement read.

Those affected include the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all Commissioners, and the chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals. Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were also suspended.

The statement directed all affected officials to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies. In cases where there is no Permanent Secretary, the most senior Director or Head of Administration will take over.

“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their MDAs. Where there may be no Permanent Secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior Director/Head of Administration,” the statement added.