Ibas Woos Rivers People As He Assumes Office, Says ‘I Am One Of You’

THE Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured the people that he was not in the state as a partisan actor or political competitor, but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast on Thursday, March 20, shortly after he assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, following his swearing in by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja earlier in the day, the former chief of Naval Staff, who stressed his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens, however, warned against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
He stated: “For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation, first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State.”
While describing the political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy in the state, Ibas acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty, assuring: “As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses and the future of our people.
“My mandate is clear: Restore law and order, ensure stability and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
“But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity.”
He urged the people to desist from attacking on oil infrastructure, reminding them of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions, noting: “The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days.”
He pledged to uphold civil liberties and rule of law, but warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated, declaring: “We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater.”