The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has assured residents that he is not in the state as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilizing force to restore governance and order. He said he is one of them but stressed that lawlessness will not be tolerated.
In a state broadcast on Thursday, Ibas, who resumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasized his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
In a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, he urged residents to resist any temptation to return to the past when hostilities and violence were the order of the day.
Reeling out his achievements in the service of Nigeria, he said: “For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
He described the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, acknowledging the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, and the National Assembly for endorsing it. He stressed that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
