Ibas Reflects on Six-Month Stewardship, Says Stability Restored in Rivers

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reflected on his six-month tenure, saying he was able to restore stability in the state despite daunting challenges.

Ibas noted that while progress was achieved, sustaining peace will require consistent effort, particularly as the August 30 local government elections have now returned democratic governance to the grassroots.

He made these remarks on Tuesday during a public lecture titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends” delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking the state’s transition.

Expressing appreciation, the administrator thanked Rivers people for their cooperation and support throughout his assignment, stressing that he had fulfilled the presidential mandate to restore peace and security in the state.

He explained that the lecture was not just academic but also a reaffirmation of his administration’s pact with Rivers people.

“As a nation, our democracy must deliver and governance must always be rooted in service,” Ibas said.

He added, “Standing before you, I feel gratitude and humility; gratitude for the support you gave me as your administrator and humility that I was called to serve in such a defining moment in the history of this great state. When we began this assignment on March 18, 2025, our core mandate was to restore peace and stability. By the grace of God and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we have come this far.”

Reflecting on the journey, he described the peaceful conduct of the local government elections as a milestone, noting that it restored grassroots democracy, which he called the level of government closest to the people.

“Emergency rule was never a choice. It was a necessity imposed by insecurity, political impasse, and a breakdown of trust. Yet in hindsight, it offered enduring lessons—that peace is priceless, that without security no other aspiration is possible, that when governance is weakened opportunism fills the vacuum, and that the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken,” he said.

Ibas commended the resilience of the people, stating, “They endured, they persevered, and they remained steadfast. The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt.”

He urged Rivers residents to place the state above personal ambition, embrace tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and work consciously to build trust so that the dividends of democracy reach every household.

In his goodwill remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, described the lecture as timely, coinciding with the transition back to democratic governance. He praised Rivers people for their support of the interim administration.

On his part, the guest lecturer, Prof. Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, emphasized that the Rivers experience should serve as a lesson to other states across Nigeria on the importance of peace and security in sustaining democracy.