Rivers Sole Administrator Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd) has given his mandate in the state, which is to restore law and order, stabilise the polity, and create the necessary environment for the full restoration of democratic institutions.
Ibas, in his maiden statewide broadcast in Port Harcourt on Thursday evening, decried the state of affairs that led to the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.
“My appointment comes at a difficult and consequential moment in history. The political impasse of nearly two years in Rivers State has paralysed governance, desecrated democratic institutions, threatened security, and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.”
According to him, the political impasse “has deepened divisions among the people and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future. These are realities we cannot afford to ignore.”
“The uneasy calm that pervades the state is palpable, and I feel the weight of families, young and old, businesses that have made both little and huge investments in Rivers State, uncertain what the immediate future holds.”
The Sole Administrator lauded President Tinubu’s proactive and decisive action to declare a state of emergency in Rivers.
He added that his subsequent appointment was primarily to ensure stability of livelihoods for citizens and residents, restore peace, security, and stability for economic activities to continue to thrive, and avert any disruptions to the way of life of the people of Rivers.
He urged the support of all stakeholders, such as elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youths, women, the media, and civil society, to enable him to actualise his mission.
He said: “I do not come as a partisan actor, nor as a competitor in the struggles that have brought us to this moment. I come as a servant of the state, entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers State can move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and, I dare say, Africa.”
He warned against the destruction of national infrastructure under the guise of agitations, saying such ugly actions were no longer part of the region.
He said: “The challenges before us depend on unity, not division; cooperation, not discord; on forward thinking, not backward grievances.
“A commitment to unity, cooperation, and dialogue must be the fulcrum of all engagements going forward.
“Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in the Niger Delta have since put behind us. Through collective engagements, our people have become more aware of the collateral damages that come with it.
“Not only does it deprive the government of enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, the damage to the environment has left vast areas of the Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
He said under his leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights would be respected and protected, adding that the rule of law would remain sacrosanct.
He added: “Those who seek to sabotage the social or economic stability of Rivers State and national infrastructure and institutions within the state, or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish or destructive gains, will find no tolerance for their actions.
“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence, and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being. We will not act arbitrarily, but neither will we hesitate to enforce the law when necessary. Let no one be in doubt: we will uphold justice and fairness, but we will also ensure that civil order prevails.”
Ibas said he had concluded his inaugural Security Council meeting and taken additional briefs from heads of security agencies in the state, noting that he had read the various reports, initiatives, and concerns and given clear directives on specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens, and do all within their powers to maintain law and order while collectively working together to de-escalate tensions when they come in contact with such.
“I ask for your understanding and cooperation. Above all, I ask for your faith in the possibility of a better future, one built on peace, stability, and shared progress.”
Ibas thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and for entrusting him with such a delicate national assignment.
He also commended the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly, who graciously approved Mr President’s state of emergency proclamation for Rivers.
“I will draw on my training, knowledge, experience, and dedication to ensure that the essence of this historic decision is achieved. I will have to work closely with the National Assembly, under the guidance of Mr President; consequently, I hope to continue to count on their support and cooperation throughout this assignment.”
