“I Am One of You,” Says Ibas as He Addresses Rivers Residents

Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has pledged to restore order, ensure safety, and revive economic activity in the state following a prolonged political crisis. In his first state broadcast since assuming duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas assured residents that he is in Rivers not as a political actor, but as a stabilizing figure determined to bring lasting peace and governance.

Ibas emphasized his commitment to upholding civil liberties and protecting lives and property, while issuing a strong warning against crude oil sabotage and violence. Urging residents to reject a return to past hostilities, he appealed for collective cooperation across political and ethnic lines to achieve peace and economic progress.

“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,” he said.

Acknowledging the toll the crisis has taken on families and businesses, Ibas described the political deadlock as a serious blow to governance and democracy. He identified closely with the people, saying, “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.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, saying the decision was necessary to halt the slide into chaos and to kickstart the state’s economic recovery. “My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth,” he said.

Warning against attacks on oil infrastructure, Ibas stressed the long-term damage such actions bring to both the environment and the economy. “The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.

While assuring citizens that civil liberties will be respected, Ibas was firm on his stance against violence. “We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he stated.

He also disclosed that he had convened a State Security Council meeting where strategies were developed to de-escalate tensions and prevent further unrest. Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Assembly for their support, he pledged to work closely with national authorities to deliver results. “I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.