PORT HARCOURT — The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has declared that his six-month stewardship successfully restored stability to the state amid daunting challenges.
Ibas, who took charge on March 18, 2025, said his administration’s core mandate was to restore peace and security, a task he believes was fulfilled with the cooperation of Rivers people and stakeholders.
Speaking on Tuesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during a public lecture titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends” delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, the outgoing administrator said the peaceful conduct of the August 30 local government elections marked a turning point for the state.
“Most significantly was the peacefully conducted local government council elections that restored democratic governance to the grassroots — the level of government closest to the people,” Ibas stated.
He acknowledged that emergency rule, though unpopular, became inevitable due to insecurity, political impasse, and a breakdown of trust. “Yet in hindsight, it offered enduring lessons — that peace is priceless, security is non-negotiable, and that the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken,” he added.
Expressing gratitude, Ibas thanked Rivers people for their support and urged them to embrace tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. He charged citizens to prioritize the state above personal ambitions to ensure democracy delivers real dividends to households.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, described the lecture as timely and commended Rivers people for standing by the interim administration.
Guest Lecturer, Prof. Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, noted that the Rivers experience should serve as a governance lesson for other states across Nigeria.
With the transition completed, Ibas said the stability achieved now provides a solid foundation for democracy to thrive again in Rivers State.
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