Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator of Rivers State, handed over control to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday, pronouncing the state’s law and order restored.
In his farewell address, Ibas, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu six months ago to stabilize Rivers amid political turmoil, said 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.
He mentioned that governance was “a living process” that required vigilance, sacrifice, and dialogue, warning that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.”
“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,” he said.
Ibas thanked Tinubu for entrusting him with the assignment, praised security operatives for maintaining peace, and commended the resilience of the people of Rivers State.
Ibas stated, “Now, as I hand back the reins of leadership to His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I call on all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership are shared responsibilities.
“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.”
Tinubu lifted the State of Emergency in Rivers State in March, capping months of political instability that had paralyzed governance and jeopardized security in the oil-rich state.
The president selected Ibas as administrator after dissolving political entities to restore order.
However, Tinubu formally proclaimed the end of the State of Emergency in Rivers State on Wednesday, paving the door for the state’s return to full democratic administration.
