Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Tuesday, September 16, reflected on his six-month stewardship, declaring that he restored stability in the state under what he described as extraordinary circumstances.
Speaking at a public lecture themed ‘Good Governance and Democratic Dividends’ delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas said the peace achieved was a product of resilience, sacrifice, and divine grace.
“Rivers State has been stabilised under extraordinary circumstances; much remains to be done. The foundations have been laid. Let’s build on it,” he urged, adding that the recently concluded August 30 local government elections had returned democratic rule to the grassroots.
The Administrator, who assumed office on March 18, 2025, thanked Rivers people for standing firm with his administration despite challenges.
He recalled Sunday’s Thanksgiving service, saying, “It reminded us that without God and the resilience of our people, this journey of my administration would have been impossible.”
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According to him, the public lecture was not just an intellectual exercise but a covenant renewal with Rivers people. “As a nation, our democracy must deliver, and governance must always be rooted in service,” he said.
Looking back at the turbulent times that warranted emergency rule in the state, Ibas explained, “Emergency rule was never a choice; it was a necessity brought upon us by insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust.
“Yet in hindsight, it offered us enduring lessons that peace is priceless. Without security, no other aspiration is possible.”
He praised Rivers people for their resilience, noting, “They endured. They persevered and have remained steadfast. The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt.”
Expressing deep gratitude, Ibas said, “My role here is to offer my sincere gratitude to my dear people of Rivers for all that we have worked hard together to achieve in the last six months. The support has been most humbling, and I will remain eternally grateful.”
He called on Rivers citizens to rise above personal ambitions, embrace tolerance and reconciliation, and ensure democracy delivers real benefits to households.