Sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has called on the people of the state to nurture the seeds of reconciliation planted by his administration within the past six months.
Ibas made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt at a thanksgiving service, marking the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025, following a political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political godfather and minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
The emergency rule, as declared by Tinubu, led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The sole administrator stated that all that is needed in the state now is efforts to sustain the peace that his administration has built.
“I have this little message for you today, my beloved people of Rivers State. I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“We gathered today in this sacred Ecumenical Centre, a place built to unite God’s children under one roof, to offer thanksgiving to Almighty God for His sustaining mercies upon our state.
“Six months ago, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. At that moment, our beloved state stood at a cross-road torn by instability and broken trust.
“By God’s grace, with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have worked all through those dark days together.
“Today, as a people, we return back to God for preserving our lives, granting us peace and allowing the successful conduct of the local government council elections across the state and thus, laying the foundation for the return of democratic governance in Rivers State.
“It is God that has kept Rivers State. We have survived storms; political, social, economic and through it all God has been faithful.
“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted and this seeds need your deliberate nurture to take root. Our collective sacrifices and commitment to peace is all we must all guide at this time.”
