- Safiu Kehinde
New Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibokete Ibas (Rtd) has established his non-tolerance for lawlessness as he read riot act against those who seek to destabilize the state.
NPO Reported that President Bola Tinubu had appointed Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the state following his declaration of state of emergency and immediate suspension of the governor Siminalayi Fubara and his cabinet as well as the Rivers Assembly.
Tinubu would on Tuesday swear-in Ibas while awaiting the approval of the state of emergency by the National Assembly.
Prior to the National Assembly’s approval yesterday, Ibas arrived at Port Harcourt, the state capital, meeting with some of the government house officials before delivering his inaugural speech on Thursday evening.
Recalling the circumstances that led to his appointment, Ibas tendered his mandate which he claimed is to restore law, order and stabilize the state’s polity.
“The political impasse of nearly two years in Rivers State has pluralized governance, disintegrated democratic institutions, threatened security and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.
“It has deepened division in the state and cast a shadow of uncertainties over the future. These are realities we cannot afford to ignore.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you and I recognize the weight of this moment- the expectations of the people and the challenges that lies ahead.
“Mr. President’s proactive action to declare a state of emergency and my subsequent appointment is primarily to ensure stability of livelihood for citizens and residents, restore peace, security, and stability for economic activities to continue to thrive.
“My mandate is clear- to restore law and order; stabilize the polity; and to create the necessary conditions of full restoration of democratic institutions and representation.” Ibas said.
Speaking on the destruction of oil infrastructures which had met the impeachment threat against Fubara, the new Administrator maintained that vandalism is a thing of the past in the Niger Delta and its resuscitation will not be tolerated.
While affirming that his administration will uphold the tenets of civil liberty, fundamental human rights, and rule of law, Ibas, however, noted that attempt to sabotage social and economic stability in the state will be met with strong restraint.
He declared that there will be no room for lawlessness and violence.
“Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in Niger Delta have since left behind us.
“Through collective engagement, our people have become more aware of the collateral damages that comes with it. Not only does it deprive government enough resources to provide necessary infrastructure and services, the damage to environment has left vast areas of Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the health and livelihood of our people.
“We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days. Dialogue and honest engagement has proven time and time again as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflicts of any kind.
“Let me clear, under my leadership, civil liberty and fundamental human rights will be protected and respected. The rule of law will remain sacrosanct.
“However, those who seek to sabotage the social or economic stability of Rivers state and national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish and destructive ends will find no tolerance for their actions.
“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence and no patience for actions that threatens our collective wellbeing.
“We will not act arbitrarily but neither will we hesitate to enforce the law when necessary.
“Let no one be in doubt. We will uphold justice and fairness. But we will also ensure that civil order prevails.” He said.
While maintaining his status as a non-partisan actor, Ibas called for Rivers citizens and residents cooperation with his administration, stressing the need for collective effort.
He urged them to set aside their differences and work together to rebuild trust and stability.
“This is not a task for one man alone. Success will depend on the collective efforts of all Rivers people- elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youths, women, the media, and civil societies.
“I do not come as a partisan actor or as a competitor in the struggle that has brought us to this moment.
“I come as a servant of the state, entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers state can move forward and retain its place as oil and gas capital of Nigeria.
“My role here is to ensure that the lives and livelihood our our people are not held hostage by crisis and instability. Governance is not a solitary endeavour. True stability and renewal requires the collective will of the people.
“I extend my had to every sons and daughters of Rivers state regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, or creed. I urge you to remain law abiding, peaceful and optimistic.
“Let us set aside our differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future of our children.
“The challenges before us depend on unity not division, on cooperation not discord, on forward thinking not backward grievances.
“The commitment to unity, cooperation, and dialogue must be the fulcrum of all engagement going forward.” Ibas added.