The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Thursday formally handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, marking the end of his six-month stewardship. He declared that law and order had been restored in the state after months of political turbulence.
Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to stabilise governance at the peak of the crisis, described his tenure as one of “milestones of progress.” He pointed to the successful conduct of local government elections, the reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly as some of the key achievements under his watch.
In his parting remarks, the retired naval chief warned that the misuse of political power and the absence of dialogue among rivals could weaken institutions and undermine democracy. “The health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses but on how political actors manage their differences, on the strength of the institutions we preserve, and on the unity we nurture,” he cautioned.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, Ibas praised the security agencies for maintaining peace and lauded the resilience of Rivers people throughout the turbulent period. He urged residents to rally behind Governor Fubara, noting that leadership and followership must go hand in hand for meaningful progress to be achieved.
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect,” he said. “No matter how competent or visionary a leader may be, success only comes with the active support of the people. May Rivers State never again be brought to the brink of collapse. Let unity triumph over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis. The Garden City must never lose its fragrance.”
President Tinubu had declared a State of Emergency in Rivers earlier in the year, dissolving political structures and appointing Ibas to steer the state back to order. On Wednesday, he formally lifted the emergency rule, paving the way for a return to full democratic governance and a new chapter under Governor Fubara.
