KEY POINTS
- Ibas vows to restore law and order in Rivers State.
- No tolerance for lawlessness or violence in Rivers State.
- The new administrator promises protection of civil liberties and rights.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retired), the newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, has pledged to restore law and order, emphasizing that violence and sabotage of national infrastructure will not be accepted during his tenure.
Ibas pledges to restore law and order in Rivers State
During a statewide broadcast on Thursday from Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas highlighted that his decision to accept the role stemmed not from personal ambition, but from a commitment to fulfill a national duty aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
“I arrive as a representative of the state, given the important responsibility of reinstating peace and order so that Rivers State can progress and regain its rightful position as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria, and I would assert, Africa,” Ibas stated.
Ibas emphasizes unity to rebuild Rivers State’s stability
Ibas pointed out that the ongoing political deadlock in Rivers has resulted in a paralysis of governance, a weakening of democratic institutions, and a threat to both security and the economy. He urged for a united effort, calling on political leaders, traditional rulers, youth, women, media, and civil society to come together in the task of rebuilding the state.
“My mandate is clear — to restore law and order, stabilize the polity, and create the conditions for the return of democratic representation,” he stated.
According to Punch, Ibas voiced his backing for President Bola Tinubu’s choice to declare a state of emergency and to appoint a neutral administrator to steer the state through the crisis.
He committed to maintaining civil liberties and essential human rights while guaranteeing that the rule of law is honored. He cautioned against additional assaults on oil facilities or public infrastructure, advocating for conversation rather than devastation.
“There will be no tolerance for lawlessness, no acceptance of violence, and no patience for actions that jeopardize our shared well-being,” Ibas stated.
He stated that security agencies have been instructed to maintain neutrality, safeguard citizens’ rights, and reduce tensions. A six-month plan is in the works to reinstate complete government operations.
