As Rivers State marks its return to democratic governance, the outgoing Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called on residents to put the state’s peace and progress above personal or political interests.
Ibas made this passionate appeal on Sunday during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt. The event was organized to celebrate the end of emergency rule and the smooth transition back to elected local council leadership.
It will be recalled that in March, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee Rivers State for six months following the declaration of emergency rule. His tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the state after a period of political divisions, instability, and broken trust.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service, Ibas emphasized the importance of peace and unity, stating:
“Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen. The progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal or partisan interest; politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.”
The outgoing administrator also urged political leaders and residents alike to embrace reconciliation and focus on rebuilding trust, noting that true governance thrives only in an atmosphere of peace.
As Rivers State ushers in a new phase of democratic leadership, Ibas’s message serves as a timely reminder that the future of the state depends on unity, tolerance, and collective progress rather than rivalry and division.
