The portrait showing Sir Siminalayi Fubara as governor of Rivers State was intact at Government House, Port Harcourt, when sole Administrator of Rivers, Admiral Ekwe Ibok Ibas (rtd), settled down for his first day in office.

President Bola Tinubu had appointed Ibas after declaring State of Emergency in Rivers as a result of the protracted political crisis in the state.

The president had suspended Fubara and members of the Rivers House of Assembly for six months, citing break down of law and order.

After the president swore him in on Wednesday, Ibas promised to restore law and order in Rivers.

In a chat with State House correspondents after he was sworn in, the retired naval chief said, “We know the circumstances that led to why we are here, and Mr President made it clear in his broadcast. If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have. We will work together with other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order, security and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.”

The Sole Administrator was said to have arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, by 11.30am and proceeded straight to Government House, Port Harcourt where he was received by the Government House staff.

However, at the exco chamber, the pictures of Tinubu and Fubara were seen carefully hung.

[Daily Trust]