Victor EzejaThe Sole Administrator of Rivers State, vice admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has declared that he has no partisan interest but comes as a servant, primarily entrusted with the mandate to restore peace, order and stability in the state.
Ibas, who is a former chief of naval staff and recently served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, stated this during his inaugural address after taking over as the sole administrator of Rivers State at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said that President Bola Tinubu’s action in declaring a state of emergency and his subsequent appointment as sole administrator of the state are primarily geared towards ensuring stability of livelihoods for citizens and residents, restoring peace and security for economic activities to continue to thrive in the state.
Ibas said that his acceptance to become the administrator of Rivers state was not born out of personal ambition but a commitment to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Nigeria as a whole and Rivers state in particular.
He noted that his appointment comes at the difficult time in history, saying that “the political impasse nearly two years in Rivers state has paralysed governance, desecrated democratic institutions, threatened security and undermined economic and social fabric of the state. It has deepened division among the people and cast a show of uncertainty over the future. These are realities we cannot afford to ignore”.
He added as a son of the Niger Delta he is one of them and recognises the enormity of the task and ahead.
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“My mandate is clear, to restore law and order, stabilise the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation,” Ibas stated.
He stressed that the task is not for one man alone but the success of his administration would depend on collective efforts and cooperation of all Rivers people including elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth, women, the media and civil society.
“I do not come as a partisan actor, nor as a competitor in the struggles that have brought us to this moment. I come as a servant of the state entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that River State can move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and I dare say, Africa,” he stated.
He emphasised that good governance to achieve stability is not a solitary endeavor, but requires the collective will of the people.
The sole administrator urged the people to set aside their differences and work together, remaining peaceful and law-abiding for the progress of the state.
He further stressed that the commitment to unity, cooperation and dialogue must be the fulcrum of all engagements going forward.
Addressing concerns about resurgence of agitation by aggrieved groups through destruction of national infrastructure, Ibas said the people of Niger Delta have since put such behind them as they have become more aware of the collateral damage that comes with it.
He pointed out that apart from depriving the government of enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, it also causes grave damage to the environment which has left vast areas of the Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the health and livelihoods of the people.
“We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days. Dialogue and honest engagement has proven, time and time again, as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflicts of any kind,” he advised.
He assured that under his leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected while the Rule of Law will remain sacrosanct.
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Ibas Reads Riot Act To Trouble Makers
He, however, warned that those who attempt to disrupt peace and stability in Rivers State for selfish interest will not be tolerated.
“There will be no room for lawlessness. No space for violence and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well being. We will not act arbitrarily, but neither will we hesitate to enforce the law when necessary.”
Ibas pledged that his administration would uphold justice and fairness, while ensuring that civil order prevails.
The sole administrator disclosed that during his inaugural security council meeting, he charged security chiefs in the state to remain neutral and work towards achieving stability in the state.
He said his administration would, in the coming days, articulate a pragmatic road map for the next six months to ensure that every government bureaucracy is properly functioning.
He thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with this delicate national assignment. He also extended his appreciation to the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly for approving the President’s state of emergency proclamation for Rivers State. “The approval gives full effect for my appointment as administrator of River State,” he affirmed.
Ibas said he would draw from his training, knowledge, experience and dedication to ensure that the essence of the emergency rule is achieved.
While pledging to work with the National Assembly under the guidance of the President, he called for support and cooperation of the lawmakers in the course of delivering the national assignment.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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