The outgoing Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has reflected on his six-month stewardship, saying the state was deeply divided before President Bola Tinubu stepped in to restore stability.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, Ibas said he deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace during his tenure and urged residents to nurture them as the state transitions back to democratic governance on September 18.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together; the survival and relative stability we enjoy today is a testimony of God’s faithfulness,” Ibas said.
He warned political actors against plunging the state back into chaos.
“Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen. The progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal or partisan interest,” Ibas declared.
Ibas also urged young people to reject being used as instruments of violence, stressing that they should instead deploy their energy into building a prosperous state.
He further appealed to community leaders, elders, and clerics to continue offering wisdom, guidance, and prayers for stability.
“The youth should not avail themselves to be used as instruments of violence but to instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state,” he said.
What Led To Ibas’ Appointment As Rivers’ Sole Administrator
Naija News recalls that Ibas’ appointment as sole administrator of Rivers State in March 2025 was a product of months of political chaos in the state.
President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara following an intractable power struggle with his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis had split the Rivers House of Assembly, led to violent clashes in Port Harcourt, and triggered mass defections between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) camps.
To prevent a breakdown of law and order, Tinubu appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief and former Chief of Naval Staff, as a neutral caretaker for six months while negotiations continued.
Fubara’s Expected Return
With Ibas’ tenure ending this week, political attention has turned to the anticipated return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Naija News understands that arrangements are being finalised for his reinstatement, following assurances that he would work towards reconciliation and stability.
Many residents hope the governor’s reinstatement will bring lasting calm, while others fear old rivalries could resurface if political actors fail to prioritise the state’s progress.
Meanwhile, delivering the sermon at the Thanksgiving today, Pastor Barasin Ogan of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, urged Rivers people to forgive past wrongs and unite behind their leaders.
“Let us work together as one family to heal the wounds of yesterday and secure a brighter future for Rivers State,” he said.
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