Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, today left office as Sole Administrator of Rivers State, handing over the reins of power to the elected governor of the state, Sim Fubara.
This followed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, approximately six months ago due to unhealthy political atmosphere in the state at the time.
Ibas, in a statewide broadcast in Port Harcourt on Thursday, expressed gratitude to Rivers people and Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility to serve.
“Six months ago, President Tinubu, entrusted me with the responsibility of steering Rivers’ affairs through an extraordinary moment in its history. Today, that mandate has been accomplished,” he said.
The former administrator said that law and order had been restored, local government council elections conducted and statutory boards and commissions reconstituted.
He also noted that the state budget had been passed by the National Assembly, providing a legitimate fiscal framework for governance and development.
“These milestones reflect the resilience of a people determined never to let their state slip into paralysis,” he added.
Reflecting on lessons from the period, Ibas cautioned political actors against exercising power without restraint, warning that rivalry without dialogue endangered democracy and risked crippling institution.
The retired naval chief urged citizens to support Fubara and advised political leaders to prioritise unity and stability above personal ambition.
“The emergency rule was never about one man, but about restoring dignity to governance and giving the people what is rightfully theirs.
“Leadership is a shared responsibility. No matter how clear a vision may be, it requires citizens’ active support,” he said.
Ibas commended the civil servants, security agencies, community leaders and residents for maintaining stability during the emergency period.
