Following the conclusion of a six-month state of emergency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (ret.), the former Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has handed over control to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Ibas declared that his mission, assigned by President Bola Tinubu, has been successfully completed.
In a broadcast to the state, Ibas stated that his goal was to restore peace and order in Rivers following the political turmoil that led to the emergency proclamation on March 18.
READ ALSO: Reinstatement of Governor Fubara triggers mixed reactions nationwide
He expressed a sense of fulfillment as he departed his post.
Tinubu ended the state of emergency on Wednesday, September 17, instructing Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly to resume their official duties.
The state House of Assembly held its first legislative session since the emergency rule was lifted, beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over the meeting, which took place at the conference hall in the legislative quarters in Port Harcourt.
This hall has been the lawmakers’ temporary meeting place since their original chamber on Moscow Road was burned and subsequently demolished.
The 27 lawmakers returned to the state a few days before the emergency rule expired.
During his address, Ibas reflected on the mandate he was given by Tinubu, saying, “Six months ago, President Bola Tinubu entrusted me with the weighty duty of guiding Rivers State through a unique period in its history.”
He affirmed that the mission was accomplished, citing the restoration of law and order, the holding of local government elections, the reestablishment of statutory boards and commissions, and the National Assembly’s approval of the state budget.
Despite these successes, Ibas urged the state to remain vigilant to prevent a return to conflict.
He warned against division and discord, emphasising that the state should always prioritize unity and dialogue.
Reflecting on the lessons learned, he stated that unrestrained authority can harm public institutions and that a healthy democracy requires dialogue and strong institutions rather than rivalry.
He expressed gratitude to Tinubu for the “difficult task” of restoring order and also thanked security agencies, community leaders, and the people of Rivers State for their resilience.
READ ALSO: PDP demands apology from Tinubu over suspension of Rivers governor Fubara
Ibas called on citizens to support Fubara, stating that leaders are only successful when they have active public backing.
He said, “As I return the leadership to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I urge the people of Rivers to support him completely because leadership and followership are a shared responsibility.”
