Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, urged political leaders to build upon the achievements made during the emergency rule by promoting peace and reconciliation.
On Tuesday, Ibas issued a warning that Rivers cannot endure another extended political crisis. He emphasized that continuous conflicts among political leaders would merely hinder development and exacerbate divisions.
He urged politicians, stakeholders, and community leaders to consider the lessons from recent months, put aside personal ambitions, and focus on prioritizing state unity.
The administrator addressed the interdenominational thanksgiving event organized by the Rivers Government at Port Harcourt's Ecumenical Centre. This gathering, held in the state capital on Friday, was part of the activities celebrating the restoration of a democratic structure.
In the wake of a political crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and dissolved the House of Assembly on March 18 for a duration of six months.
During this time, the political leaders reached an agreement. Local government elections were successfully conducted, and the winners assumed office after being sworn in.
The House of Assembly complex, which was demolished during the political crisis, has now been rebuilt.
The service was attended by Chief Judge Simeon Amadi, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, local government chairpersons, and several industry leaders.
During the thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, prayers were offered for Ibas, Rivers State, and the entire country. The service was conducted by Pastor Ogan Barasin, Rev. Eferebo Joseph, and Pastor Lenwi Michael.
This Thursday, the administrator will leave the Government House, and Governor Fubara along with members of the House of Assembly will resume office on Friday, signaling the conclusion of the emergency.
During the period of emergency rule, the administrator reported directly to the Federal Government.
Accompanied by his wife, Theresa, Ibas recounted the events that led to the state of emergency and his subsequent appointment as Administrator.
He mentioned that six months prior, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. At that time, our cherished state was at a crossroads, plagued by division, instability, and eroded trust.
With God's grace and the support of Mr. President, along with all of you, we have navigated those challenging days together.
Associated News
Today, we express our gratitude to God for preserving our lives, granting us peace, and enabling the successful completion of local government elections across the state. This achievement lays a solid foundation for the return of democratic governance in Rivers.
The administrator observed that divine intervention preserved Rivers, allowing it to endure the challenging period that affected the state's political, social, and economic activities.
Ibas mentioned that the foundations for reconciliation have been laid, encouraging stakeholders to make the essential sacrifices needed to nurture and grow these beginnings.
Referring to the Ecumenical Centre as a symbol of unity, the administrator urged the people of Rivers State to transcend feelings of bitterness, rivalries, and self-interest in order to focus on achieving what is best for their community.
He stated that politics should not be used as a pretext to harm the state and emphasized that the state's progress and prosperity must take precedence over personal interests.
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