Vice Admiral Ibok-Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), the newly appointed Administrator of Rivers State, has issued a firm warning against any act of lawlessness in the state, assuring citizens that his mandate is to restore peace, stability, and democratic order.
In his maiden broadcast to the people of Rivers State, which took place Thursday, Ibas highlighted that he was not in the state to engage in political battles but to serve as a unifying force capable of addressing the challenges facing the state. He reassured residents that his primary focus is to return the state to a path of peace and development, particularly in light of the ongoing political and social instability.
“I am not here as a partisan actor or as a political competitor,” Ibas declared. “I have come as a servant of the state, entrusted with the solemn responsibility of restoring peace and order, so that Rivers State can move forward once again.”
His appointment comes in the wake of a series of political crises and unrest that have plagued Rivers State. Tensions between different political factions, along with economic instability, have resulted in an unstable environment that has hindered the state’s progress. This situation has led to Governor Nyesom Wike’s tenure coming to an end without a clear successor, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state.
In his address, Ibas called for unity among the people of Rivers State, acknowledging the struggles they have faced due to prolonged political infighting. He stressed that healing the state and bringing about the required change would not be possible if the people remained divided.
“The challenges we face as a state will not be solved by division. What we need is unity,” Ibas said. “We must work together if we are to overcome the difficulties and restore peace in this land.”
He further highlighted that the state’s struggles were not limited to political issues but also related to the security and welfare of its citizens, particularly in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. As one of the wealthiest regions in the country, Rivers State has been affected by oil theft, environmental degradation, and violence associated with militant groups.
Ibas, who served as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, expressed a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of the people of Rivers State, describing himself as a son of the region.
“I understand the difficulties that families and businesses have endured in this state,” Ibas said, acknowledging the economic and social impacts of the political instability. “As a son of the Niger Delta, I feel the weight of this crisis on all of us.”
One of Ibas’s key priorities is the restoration of law and order in Rivers State. He made it clear that his administration would take decisive action against anyone who threatens the peace and stability of the state. In his broadcast, Ibas warned that lawlessness would not be tolerated under his watch.
“I will not tolerate any act of lawlessness,” he declared. “Those who think they can disrupt the peace will face the full force of the law.”
This strong stance against lawlessness is expected to have an immediate impact on the state, where there have been ongoing incidents of political violence, protests, and disruptions in daily life. For years, Rivers State has been plagued by militancy, criminal activities, and oil theft, which have undermined the security and stability of the region. Ibas’s firm position signals a zero-tolerance approach to these issues.
He also stated that his administration would work to restore the rule of law and democratic institutions in the state, which have been compromised due to prolonged political strife. The aim, he said, was to create an environment where governance could function effectively, and the people could enjoy the benefits of a peaceful and orderly society.
In his address, Ibas outlined his plans for the next six months of emergency rule, which are centered on stabilizing the state, fostering economic recovery, and creating the conditions necessary for democratic institutions to function once again.
“Restoring stability in Rivers State is my top priority,” Ibas highlighted. “We will work towards improving the security situation in the state, making sure that businesses can operate without fear, and creating an enabling environment for economic growth.”
