The outgoing Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has reflected on his six-month tenure, noting that the state was deeply divided before President Bola Tinubu intervened to restore stability.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving service on Sunday at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, Ibas said he deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace during his administration and urged residents to nurture them as Rivers 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 cautioned political actors against reigniting conflict. “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,” he stressed.
Ibas also encouraged young people to reject being used as instruments of violence, emphasizing the importance of channeling their energy into building a prosperous state. He further appealed to community leaders, elders, and clerics to continue offering guidance, wisdom, and prayers for sustained stability.
Background to Ibas’ Appointment
Ibas was appointed sole administrator of Rivers State in March 2025 amid months of political turmoil. President Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara following an ongoing power struggle with his predecessor and political godfather, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The crisis had divided the Rivers House of Assembly, sparked violent clashes in Port Harcourt, and led to mass defections between the PDP and APC. To prevent a total breakdown of law and order, Ibas, a retired naval chief and former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed as a neutral caretaker for six months.
Anticipating Fubara’s Return
With Ibas’ tenure ending this week, attention now turns to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s expected return. Arrangements for his reinstatement are being finalized, with assurances that he will prioritize reconciliation and stability. While many residents hope this will usher in lasting calm, some fear old rivalries could resurface if political actors fail to put the state’s progress first.
During the Thanksgiving service, Pastor Barasin Ogan of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, called on Rivers residents 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.
