Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok Ibas, has stated that his appointment by President Bola Tinubu is aimed at ensuring stability of livelihoods for citizens and residents amid the ongoing political crisis in the oil-rich state.
In a statewide broadcast in Port Harcourt on Thursday night, Ibas acknowledged the gravity of his appointment, describing it as coming at a difficult and consequential moment in history.
He highlighted how the prolonged political impasse in Rivers State had led to a paralysis of governance, the desecration of democratic institutions, security threats, and significant disruptions to the state’s economic and social fabric.
“The crisis had deepened divisions amongst the people and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future,” he noted.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I recognize the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead.”
He expressed deep concern over the tension in the state, emphasizing the widespread anxiety among families, businesses, and investors regarding the uncertainty of the immediate future.
“The uneasy calm that pervades the state is palpable and I feel the weight of families, young and old, businesses that have made both little and huge investments in Rivers State uncertain what the immediate future holds.
“Mr. President’s proactive and decisive action to declare a state of emergency and my subsequent appointment is primarily to ensure stability of livelihoods for citizens and residents.
“Restore peace, security and stability for economic activities to continue to thrive and avert any disruptions to the way of life of the people of Rivers State.
“My mandate is clear: to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation.”
Ibas stressed that achieving success in this mission would require collective effort from all stakeholders in the state.
“This is not a task for one man alone. Success will depend on the collective effort of all Rivers people, elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, trade leaders, youths, women, the media and civil society.
“I do not come as a partisan actor nor as a competitor in the struggles that have brought us to this moment. I come as a servant of the state, entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers State can move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and I dare say, Africa.”
Emphasizing his primary role, he assured residents that his focus was on protecting lives and livelihoods rather than being drawn into political conflicts.
“My role here is to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of our people are not held hostage by crisis and instability. Governance is not a solitary endeavour. True stability and renewal require the collective will of the people.
“I extend my hand to every son and daughter of Rivers State, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or creed. I urge you to remain law-abiding, peaceful and optimistic. Let us set aside our differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future of our children.
“The challenges before us depend on unity not division, on cooperation not discord, on forward thinking not backward grievances. The commitment to unity, cooperation and dialogue must be the fulcrum of all engagements going forward.”
Ibas also cautioned against the destruction of national infrastructure, reminding the people of the Niger Delta of the long-term consequences of such actions.
“Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in the Niger Delta have since put behind us. Through collective engagements, our people have become more aware of the collateral damage that comes with it.
“Not only does it deprive the government of enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, the damage to the environment has left vast areas of the Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the health and livelihoods of our people.
“We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days. Dialogue and honest engagement have proven time and time again as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflicts of any kind.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding civil liberties and human rights while ensuring that lawbreakers would face consequences.
“Let me be clear, under my leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected. The rule of law will remain sacrosanct. However, those who seek to sabotage the social or economic stability of Rivers State and national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish or destructive ends will find no tolerance for their actions.”
He warned against lawlessness and violence, asserting that while his administration would act fairly, it would also ensure order was maintained.
“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence and no patience for actions that threaten the collective well-being of Rivers State. We will not act arbitrarily but neither will we hesitate to enforce the law where necessary.
“Let no one be in doubt, we will uphold justice and fairness but we will also ensure that civil order prevails. I have just concluded my inaugural state security meeting and taken additional briefs from heads of security agencies in the state. I have noted various reports, initiatives and concerns, some of which I have given clear directives on specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens and do all within their powers to maintain law and order, while collectively working to de-escalate tensions where they come in contact with such.”
He assured residents that in the coming days, his administration would develop a clear roadmap for governance over the next six months, ensuring government agencies function effectively and essential services continue.
“I will move with deliberate speed to articulate a pragmatic roadmap for the next six months to ensure that every government bureaucracy is properly functioning and agencies providing services to citizens and residents are doing so, and engage stakeholders as mandated by the President.”
