The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Wednesday formally handed over the reins of power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, marking the end of six months of emergency administration in the state.
In a statewide broadcast, Ibas declared that the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18 had been “fully accomplished,” citing the restoration of law and order, conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards, and passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
“Today, I can say with conviction that by the grace of God and through our collective efforts, the mandate has been accomplished,” Ibas said. “Law and order has been restored, local government elections held, and governance given a legitimate fiscal framework.”
While bidding the people farewell, the former Sole Administrator cautioned against a return to political instability. “May this state never again be brought to the brink of collapse.
May we always choose unity over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis.
The Garden City must never lose its fragrance,” he warned.
Reflecting on lessons from the period, Ibas stressed that unrestrained power could undermine institutions, adding that democracy thrives on dialogue and strong institutions rather than rivalry.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the “onerous task” of restoring stability, and thanked security agencies, civil servants, traditional leaders, and residents of the state for their resilience.
As he handed power back to Governor Fubara, Ibas urged Rivers people to throw their full support behind the administration. “Leadership and followership is a shared responsibility. I urge Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly,” he said.