‘I Am One Of You’, Rivers Sole Administrator Pledges To Restore Stability

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has assured residents that he is acting in the state’s interest rather than as a political rival. He also serves as a stabilizing force to restore order and governance.

Ibas, who returned to work at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, stressed his commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of civil liberties.

However, he harshly resisted the temptation to go back to the previous hostilities and issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence.

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“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the great nation’s service, starting as the 20th indigenous chief of naval staff and then as Ghana’s high commissioner for Nigeria. I responded to this call out of concern for the peace in Nigeria and, most importantly, Rivers State, I said.

He acknowledged the hardships that families and businesses have been subject to as a result of the prevailing uncertainty and referred to the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to democracy and governance.

I am one of you as the Niger Delta’s son. He said, “I feel the impact of this crisis on our people’s futures, our families, and businesses.”

Ibas praised President Bola Tinubu’s decisive decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing that it was necessary to restore stability and resurrect economic activity.

“It is my duty to restore order, maintain stability, and foster economic growth,” I said. However, he claimed that, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity, all parties must support this mission collectively.

He discouraged oil infrastructure attacks, drawing attention to the devastating effects they had on the environment and economy.

The Niger Delta has “moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities.” He warned against the temptation to go back to those ugly days.

The Sole Administrator expressed his commitment to upholding civil liberties and the rule of law, but he also warned against tolerated lawlessness and violence.

He declared, “We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to resolve any disputes that threaten Rivers State’s stability.”

Ibas revealed that he had come to a conclusion at the State Security Council’s meeting with recommendations for defusing tensions and preventing further conflict.

He thanked President Tinubu for tying him with the task, and he also thanked the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.

Source: Channels TV