“I restored peace in Rivers against all odds” – Ibas says ‘emergency rule was a necessity’

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has said his administration succeeded in restoring peace and stability to the state despite operating under very difficult circumstances.

Ibas made this statement on Tuesday during a public lecture titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends” delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, as part of the transition activities at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The former Chief of Naval Staff, who was appointed as Rivers State Administrator six months ago, explained that his core mandate was to restore security and stability following political tension and insecurity.

“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,” Ibas said.

He highlighted the successful conduct of the August 30 local government elections as a major achievement, saying that it returned democratic governance to the grassroots.

According to him, emergency rule was never intended to be permanent but became necessary due to insecurity and political crisis.

Ibas expressed appreciation to the people of Rivers State for their support throughout his tenure, describing their resilience as a source of strength.

“It reminded us that without God and the resilience of our people, this journey of my administration would have been impossible,” he said during a Thanksgiving event held on Sunday.

He urged Rivers people to put the interest of the state above personal ambitions while promoting tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

While acknowledging that more still needs to be done, the administrator said the foundation for peace and democratic governance had already been laid.

“The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt,” he said, adding that Rivers must prove it can be a model of good governance in Nigeria.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, and the guest lecturer, Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, both commended Ibas’ administration, describing the transition as a defining moment and an example for other states to emulate.

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