Rivers: Ibas hands over power back to Fubara

Omodele Adigun

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

In a farewell address on Thursday, Ibas declared that law and order had been restored in the state, adding that 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.

Ibas said, “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.”

Furthermore, the outgoing sole administrator thanked President Bola Tinubh for the trust he had in him to deliver on the assignment.

He also 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.”

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the prolonged political standoff between Fubara and members of the House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Also, he suspended the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and lawmakers for six months and installed a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to manage the state’s affairs.

The decision sparked widespread controversy, with critics accusing the president of breaching the Constitution, while some others hailed Tinubu.

However, on Wednesday, Tinubu ended the emergency rule in the state and asked Fubara, his deputy and the lawmakers to resume work on Thursday, September 18.