Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, officially transferred authority back to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday, concluding a six-month period of emergency administration in the state.
During his farewell speech at Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas highlighted that his mission, initiated in March by President Bola Tinubu to stabilize the state amid political unrest, successfully reinstated law and order and achieved significant developmental milestones.
Among the key accomplishments under his leadership were the organization of local government elections, the reformation of statutory boards, and the approval of the State’s 2025 budget by the National Assembly.
Looking back on his tenure, Ibas emphasized the importance of exercising power with caution and fostering open communication.
“A vital takeaway from this period is that unchecked authority can weaken institutions, and conflict without constructive dialogue poses a serious threat to democracy,” he remarked.
As he returned governance to Governor Fubara, Ibas called on the citizens of Rivers State to fully back their leader.
“With great respect and assurance, I hand over leadership to His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara. I urge all Rivers residents to support him earnestly, recognizing that effective leadership depends on both leaders and followers,” he affirmed.
The retired naval officer, who has also served as Chief of Naval Staff and Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana, described his role in Rivers State as “a continuation of a lifelong commitment to service-whether at sea, in diplomacy, or governance.”
Concluding on a heartfelt note, Ibas prayed for lasting peace and unity in the state: “May Rivers never again face the threat of collapse. Let us always prioritize unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and progress over stagnation. The Garden City must retain its charm. May God bless us all, Rivers State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
It is important to recall that in March, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to escalating political tensions, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly, while dissolving political bodies. Ibas was appointed sole administrator to restore stability.
However, on Wednesday, President Tinubu lifted the emergency status, allowing democratic governance to resume and enabling Governor Fubara and other elected officials to return to office.
