By Ghazali Ibrahim
Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has kicked off formal transition activities ahead of the return to democratic governance, six months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.
The administrative government announced that the transition will begin with an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, who invited stakeholders across the state to attend.
On Friday, Ibas received the report of the August 30 Local Government election, where he declared that the mandate entrusted to him by President Tinubu on March 18 had been successfully carried out.
“When Mr. President entrusted me with this difficult assignment, I pledged to serve with courage and impartiality. Six months after, we have restored calm, stabilized the state, and ensured that Rivers remains a strong economic ally of the nation. While challenges remain, I can confidently say the presidential mandate has been fulfilled,” the administrator said.
Ibas highlighted that his administration was tasked with restoring peace, stabilizing governance, and safeguarding key economic assets after months of political unrest.
He expressed appreciation to security agencies, civil servants, community leaders, and residents for their cooperation during what he described as a “trying but purposeful” period.
President Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers on March 18, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months before appointing Ibas as sole administrator.
The decision sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public, but the administrator maintained that the intervention helped stabilize the state.
The emergency rule is scheduled to expire on Thursday, September 18, paving the way for the return of democratic governance.
