Emergency rule necessary for Rivers’ political stability, says outgoing Sole Administrator
The outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has disclosed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers was essential to restore stability amidst a political crisis.
It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had on March 18, declared emergency rule in Rivers and also suspended governor Siminalayi Fubara, following political impasses and insecurity in the region.
During the lecture titled ‘Good Governance and Democratic Dividends,’ held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas stated importance of maintaining peace, especially following the successful local government elections on August 30.
According to him, “Much needs to be done to sustain the peace, especially as we have laid the foundation for it with these elections”.
Ibas expressed gratitude for the support he received during his tenure, highlighting the significance of a recent Thanksgiving event. “Without God and the resilience of the people, the journey of my administration would have been impossible,” he remarked.
He emphasized that emergency rule was not a choice but a necessity, stating, “It was brought upon us by insecurity, political impasse, and a breakdown of trust.” He also stressed the importance of democracy delivering for the nation, adding, “Governance must always be rooted in service.”
Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Ibas noted, “When we began this assignment on March 18, 2025, our core mandate was to restore peace and stability… Peace is priceless; without security, no other aspiration is possible.” He commended the resilience of the Rivers people, who “endured and persevered,” reinforcing that the stability achieved is the cornerstone for rebuilding democracy.
The guest lecturer urged attendees to view this transitional period as an opportunity for sober reflection, indicating that Rivers should serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges.
Source: Daily Trust
