The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Thursday handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, declaring that law and order had been restored in the state.
In his farewell address observed by PUNCH Online, Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu six months ago to stabilise Rivers amid political turmoil, said his tenure delivered “milestones of progress” including the conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
He noted that governance was “a living process” that required vigilance, sacrifice, and dialogue, warning that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.”
“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“Let this chapter therefore stand as a permanent reminder that the health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses but on how political actors manage their differences and on the strength of the institutions we preserve and the unity we nurture,” he said.
Ibas expressed gratitude to Tinubu for entrusting him with the assignment, praised security operatives for maintaining peace, and commended the resilience of the people of Rivers State.
Ibas stated, “Now, as I hand back the reigns of leadership to his excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara I do so with confidence and respect. I call all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how competent and no matter how clear your vision may be, it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me, this is the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service at sea, in diplomacy, and now in governance.
“My dear people, 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. May God bless us all. May God bless River State and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Tinubu in March declared an end to the State of Emergency in Rivers State, following months of political turmoil that paralysed governance and threatened security in the oil-rich state.
The President had appointed Ibas as administrator after dissolving political structures to restore order.
However, Tinubu, on Wednesday, formally declared an end to the State of Emergency in Rivers State, clearing the way for the return of full democratic governance in the state.
(Punch)
