Former Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has urged residents of the state to rally behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he resumes office today September 18.
In his farewell state-wide broadcast, Ibas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, noting that his six-month stewardship was aimed at restoring order and stability in the state.
“Six months ago, President Bola Tinubu entrusted me with this solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history. Today, I can say with conviction that through the grace of God and our collective effort, the mandate has been accomplished,” he said.
The outgoing administrator listed the restoration of law and order, conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards and commissions, and passage of the state budget by the National Assembly as some of his achievements while holding sway as the state administrator.
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect, and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility” Ibas said
Recall that President Tinubu had in March declared a state of emergency in Rivers following an escalating political crisis, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly while dissolving political structures. Ibas was appointed sole administrator to restore order.
On Wednesday, September 17, President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule, paving the way for the return of democratic governance and the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other elected officials.
