The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has officially handed over power to the reinstated Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statewide farewell broadcast on Thursday, Ibas urged Rivers people to rally behind Fubara as he resumes office following six months of federal emergency rule.
President Bola Tinubu had suspended Fubara in March, declaring emergency rule in Rivers amid political unrest. On Wednesday, the president lifted the measure and restored Fubara to office.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ibas said:
“Six months ago, Tinubu entrusted me with this solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history. Today, by the grace of God and through our collective effort, the mandate has been accomplished. Law and order has been restored, local government elections have been held, and statutory institutions are functioning again.”
He highlighted key milestones under his watch, including the conduct of local elections, reconstitution of statutory boards, and passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
Warning against the dangers of unchecked power and political rivalry, Ibas said one of the major lessons of the crisis was that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue endangers democracy.”
As he handed back authority, Ibas called for unity behind Fubara:
“I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility. No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only thrive with the active support of citizens.”
The outgoing administrator described the experience as “the closing of another chapter in life devoted to service at sea, diplomacy, and governance.”
Fubara is expected to address the state later today as he formally resumes his duties.
