*Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State of Nigeria, assures residents of restoring stability, warning against crude oil sabotage, violence, and any temptation to return to past hostilities in the South-South state

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, South-South Nigeria, has reduced office, and assures residents of restoring stability in governance and order in the state.

Ibas, who stated this in his maiden state-wide broadcast Thursday, March 20, 2025, in the Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital, noted that he is not in the state as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a “stabilising force” to restore governance and order.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens in Rivers.

The former Chief of Naval Staff, however, sounded a stern warning against crude oil sabotage, violence, hostilities, and any temptation to return to past hostilities that had led to the current state of affairs in Rivers State.

He stated: 鈥淔or decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation鈥攆irst as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff, and later as Nigeria鈥檚 High Commissioner to Ghana.

“I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State.”

Significance of emergency rule in Rivers State, by Ibas

Stressing the prolonged political impasse is a major setback to governance and democracy, Vice-Admiral Ibas acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.

As a Nigerian from the region, the Sole Administrator affirmed: 鈥淎s a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people.”

He equally applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive action to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Ibas restated the proclamation of emergency rule was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities in the South-South state.

Highlighting his fundamental role as the Sole Administrator, he explained: 鈥淢y mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

“But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity.”

On protection of Nigeria’s critical national infrastructure

Ibas, in his broadcast, discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, as he reminded residents of Rivers State of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions in the region.

Ibas said: 鈥淭he Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities.

“We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days.”

Pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator, nonetheless, warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated in the state.

He asserted: 鈥淲e will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State.”

Assuring Nigerians that Rivers State would emerge “stronger and greater”, the Sole Administrator disclosed he had held a State Security Council meeting, where the stakeholders outlined strategic measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.

He, again, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, and duly acknowledged the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, FCT, for approving the emergency declaration for Rivers.

Ibas stated: 鈥淚 will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President.”