Wike, Fubara Absent as Rivers Sole Administrator Bows Out with Call for Peace

Key figures in the Rivers State political crisis, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were absent on Sunday at the farewell thanksgiving service for the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).

The interdenominational service, held in Port Harcourt as part of transitional activities, became a platform for Ibas to appeal to political leaders to prioritize the state’s unity and progress over personal or partisan rivalries.

“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted, but they need your deliberate nurture to take root. Rivers State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve,” Ibas said.

While many traditional rulers stayed away, the service drew attendance from permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, board members, agency heads, parastatal chiefs, and security commanders.

Ibas reminded the gathering that President Bola Tinubu appointed him administrator on March 18, 2025, after declaring a state of emergency in Rivers amid heightened political tensions and militant attacks on oil facilities. The move had suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months, a period that ends on September 18.

Looking back on his tenure, the retired naval chief thanked Tinubu and stakeholders for their support during what he described as difficult months. “By God’s grace and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have worked through those difficult days together. Today, we thank God for peace, stability, and the successful conduct of local government elections across the state,” he said.

He urged youths to reject violence and focus on building a peaceful future while calling on elders and faith leaders to continue guiding reconciliation efforts. “Let us forgive, let us reconcile, and let us heal. For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity,” he added.