Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd) has suspended all political appointees in the state.

The development was confirmed in a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator, citing the powers conferred on 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.

“Those suspended include the Secretary to the State Government, chief of staff, commissioners, chairmen and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions and parastatals, special advisers, special assistants, and senior special assistants” the statement read in part.

It directed all suspended 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 is to assume leadership.

“This suspension takes effect from 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.” It added.