Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, Reflects on Six-Month Stewardship, Highlights Restoration of Peace and Return to Democracy
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has reflected on his six-month tenure, describing it as a period marked by both immense challenges and significant progress. He stated that the core objective of restoring peace and stability to the state had been achieved, setting the stage for the return of democratic governance at the grassroots.
Vice Admiral Ibas made these remarks on Tuesday during a public lecture titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends”, delivered by Professor Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The event was part of activities marking Rivers State’s transition from interim to elected local government leadership, following the August 30 local government elections.
“Peace was priceless”
Reflecting on the circumstances that led to his appointment as Sole Administrator on March 18, 2025, Ibas said Rivers State had faced a political impasse, a breakdown of trust, and rising insecurity that necessitated federal intervention.
“Emergency rule was never a choice; it was a necessity brought upon us by insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust,” he said.
“Yet in hindsight, it offered us enduring lessons — that peace is priceless; without security, no other aspiration is possible. When governance is weakened, opportunism fills the vacuum, endangering lives and livelihoods. But the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken.”
Ibas praised the resilience of Rivers people throughout the crisis period, stating that their support was vital in restoring normalcy. He noted that while his administration was transitional, its mandate was clear: to rebuild stability, restore institutions, and prepare the ground for democratic governance.
READ ALSO: Tension in Rivers as Tinubu’s emergency rule ends Sept 18
Local elections: A defining milestone
He described the peaceful conduct of the August 30 local government elections as one of the most significant milestones of his administration, adding that the return of democratically elected councils marked the end of a difficult chapter in the state’s political journey.
“The local government elections restored democratic governance to the grassroots — the level of government closest to the people,” he said.
“This achievement, above all, signifies that the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt is one of peace, trust, and collective effort.”
Ibas also reiterated the importance of inclusive governance, calling on Rivers citizens to rise above personal ambition, embrace tolerance, and work towards reconciliation.
“The task ahead is to place the state above personal ambition, to forgive, to reconcile, and to consciously work at building trust among each other,” he said.
“Democracy must deliver. Governance must always be rooted in service. That is the pact we made with the people of Rivers State, and I believe we have kept it.”
Public lecture reaffirms commitment
Describing the public lecture as more than an academic exercise, Ibas said it served as a reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to the values of good governance and democratic accountability.
“Standing before you, we feel gratitude and humility — gratitude for the support you gave me as your administrator, and humility that I was called to serve at such a defining moment in the history of this great state,” he said.
Leaders commend the transition
Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, in his goodwill message, described the lecture as timely and symbolic, as it coincided with the official transition back to democratic rule.
He commended Rivers people for their patience, resilience, and support during the interim period, acknowledging that the administration had fulfilled its purpose.
Guest lecturer Professor Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, praised the progress made under the interim administration and urged other Nigerian states to learn from Rivers State’s experience.
“The Rivers State transition highlights the importance of responsible interim governance. It is a lesson in how even in the absence of elected leadership, progress can still be made when guided by clear purpose and integrity,” he said.
A hopeful closing
As Rivers State returns to a fully democratic structure, Ibas concluded with a call to action:
“The dividends of democracy must reach households. This is our shared responsibility. May the peace we’ve rebuilt never again be taken for granted.”
The solemn yet hopeful event marked the formal end of Ibas’s role as Sole Administrator and ushered in a renewed phase of democratic governance for Rivers State.
