The outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has defended the state of emergency declared in the state, saying it was the only viable option to restore peace and stability.
Naija News understands that President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, imposed emergency rule following a prolonged political impasse and heightened insecurity in the state.
Speaking on Tuesday at a public lecture themed “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends”, delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike (SAN) at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas said the intervention was necessary to rebuild confidence and restore democratic order.
Reflecting on his administration’s six-month stewardship, Ibas said the decision to declare emergency rule was forced on the state by political breakdown and insecurity.
Ibas said, “Emergency rule was never a choice; it was a necessity brought upon us by insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust.”
He highlighted the peaceful conduct of the August 30 local government elections as one of the most significant achievements under his watch.
“Most significantly was the peacefully conducted local government council elections, which restored democratic governance to the grassroots, the level of government closest to the people,” he noted.
Ibas described last Sunday’s Thanksgiving service as symbolic, saying it reminded the people that without divine help and resilience, his administration would not have succeeded.
“The public lecture is more than an intellectual exercise; it is a covenant renewal with the people. Standing before you, we feel with gratitude and humility; gratitude for the support you gave me as your administrator and humility that I was called to serve in such a defining moment in the history of this great state,” he said.
He further emphasised that the period offered enduring lessons about the importance of security and resilience of Rivers people.
Ibas stated, “Peace is priceless. Without security, no other aspiration is possible. When governance is weakened, opportunism fills the vacuum, endangering lives and livelihoods. Yet the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken. They endured, they persevered, and have remained steadfast. The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt.”
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Amuda-Kanmike, said the transition period should serve as a moment of sober reflection for Rivers people.
He added that the Rivers experience should serve as a cautionary example to other states on the consequences of political instability and the importance of safeguarding democratic governance.
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