Rivers Sole Administrator pledges commitment to peace, stability

The recent political turmoil in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region. This pledge comes after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s legislative assembly for six months due to persistent political instability and security concerns.

Background to the Crisis

The political crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing, fueled by a deep rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This division led to a polarized state assembly and a series of legal battles, culminating in the Supreme Court’s intervention to annul local government elections conducted by Fubara.

The situation escalated further with reports of pipeline vandalism and security breaches, prompting President Tinubu’s emergency declaration.

Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas

Following the declaration, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was sworn in as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas, a seasoned military leader who served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, brings a wealth of experience to this role. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to stabilize the state and ensure effective governance during the emergency period.

Ibas who made the remark at a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, stated that his role in the state was primarily to ensure stability, peace and security. New sole administrator Ibas addresses Rivers residents, says ‘I will not tolerate any act of lawlessness’.

“My responsibility is primarily to ensure stability, peace, security, and the general wellbeing of Rivers people.
“I accepted this call not for personal ambition, but out of an abiding commitment to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the state,” he said.
He said that the political crisis in the state which deepened divisions among the people forced him to accept the call to serve.
“The impasse of nearly two years in Rivers has paralyzed governance and desecrated democratic institutions in the state.
“The development has also threatened security, and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I cannot afford to ignore these realities, I recognise the weight of the moment, the expectations of the people, and the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
The retired navy chief, urged Rivers people to remain law abiding, peaceful and optimistic, saying, “I urge you to set aside your differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future.
Ibas stated that the task ahead was the responsibility of every stakeholder in the state, and called for meaningful inputs from all and sundry.
“We are together in this, all Rivers people, elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, leaders of faith, youth, women, media and civil society.
“I extend my hand of fellowship to every son and daughter of the state regardless of political affiliation, political status, political leaning, ethnicity or creed.
“I assure you that Rivers will move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
The sole administrator warned against destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation, saying that such attitude is inimical to the growth of the country.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but will not hesitate to enforce the law where necessary, Let no one be in doubt. We will uphold justice and fairness, but we will also ensure that civil order prevails,” he said.
He charged the security agencies to remain neutral, respect the rights of the citizenry and do nothing to escalate tensions. (NAN)