Rivers must not relapse into crisis, Ibas tells Fubara, lawmakers

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has called on political actors in the state to consolidate on the progress made during the emergency rule by fostering peace and reconciliation.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ibas cautioned that Rivers cannot afford another prolonged political crisis, warning that endless disputes among political gladiators would only stall development and deepen divisions.

He appealed to politicians, stakeholders, and community leaders to reflect on the lessons of the past months, set aside personal ambitions, and prioritize the unity of the state.

The administrator spoke during the interdenominational thanksgiving organised by the Rivers Government at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, the state capital, as part of the activities to usher in the restoration of democratic structure on Friday.

Following political crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly on March 18 for six months.

During the period, the political gladiators hammered out an agreement. Local Government elections were successfully held and the winners sworn into office.

The House of Assembly complex that was demolished during the political crisis, has been rebuilt.

The service was attended by Chief Judge, Simeon Amadi, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, local government chairmen and some captains of industry.

Prayers were offered for Ibas, Rivers State and the country at the thanksgiving conducted by Pastor Ogan Barasin, Rev. Eferebo Joseph and Pastor Lenwi Michael at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House.

On Thursday, the administrator will vacate the Government House and Governor Fubara and members of the House of Assembly will return to office on Friday, marking the end of the emergency.

During the emergency rule, the administrator was responsible to the Federal Government.

Ibas, who was accompanied by his wife, Theresa, recalled the circumstances that led to the state of emergency and his appointment as the Administrator.

He said: “Six months ago, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. At that moment, our beloved state stood at a crossroad, torn by divisions, instability and broken trust.

“By God’s grace and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together.

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“Today as a people we return thanks to God for preserving our lives, granting us peace and allowing the successful conduct of the local government elections across the state and thus laying the foundation for the return of democratic governance in Rivers”.

The administrator noted that God kept Rivers and ensured that it survived the turbulent period, which impacted on the political, social and economic activities of the state.

Ibas said the seeds of reconciliation had been planted, urging the stakeholders to make the necessary sacrifices required to nurture the seeds.

Describing the Ecumenical Centre as the symbol of unity, the administrator said Rivers people must rise above bitterness, rivalries and self interest to pursue the greater good of the state.

He said politics should not be an excuse to destroy the state, adding that the progress and prosperity of the state must be placed above selfish considerations.

Ibas said: “Truly, it was God who kept Rivers State. This service is a solemn testimony of God’s faithfulness to Rivers. We have survived storms, political, social and economic and through it all God has been faithful. The seeds of reconciliation has been planted. These seeds need your deliberate nurture.

“Our collective sacrifices and commitment to peace is what we must all strive to guide at this time. This Ecumenical Centre is in itself a symbol of unity; different denominations under one roof. Rivers people must rise above bitterness, rivalries and self interest to pursue the greater good of our state.

“The progress and prosperity of Rivers must be placed above personal and partisan interest. I make a special appeal to our political actors; sheathe your swords. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state you are called to serve. The progress and prosperity of Rivers must be placed against personal or partisan interest.”

He added: “Rivers state cannot afford another session of division and acrimony. We must forgive one another and reconcile with sincerity and embrace tolerance. Let us remember that no political victory or personal gains is worth the blood of our brothers and sisters. Let us forgive; let us reconcile and let us heal. For where there is progress and where there is love there is prosperity”.

Ibas urged the youths to avoid violence and channel their energy into building and sustaining the peace.

He said: “To our youths, do not allow yourselves to be used as tools for violence. Channel your energy into building, creating and sustaining peace. As our efforts on peace and reconciliation take hold, I urge all the stakehokders, leaders, elders, political actors to put Rivers first.

“Let us guide the peace we have, nurture it with love and grow it with stability and prosperity for generations yet unborn. Our elders must continue to guide with wisdom; our faith leaders must sustain prayers for peace; our young people must commit to learning and creating so that Rivers will continue to shine as the treasure base of the nation. As we look forward into the future let us redidicate ourselves and lives to God”.

Pastor Barasin said the thanksgiving was organised to appreciate God’s intervention in Rivers, stressing that God did not allow the crisis to claim lives.