- Safiu Kehinde
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas has formally bowed out of his role as Rivers State Sole Administrator ahead of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The Administrator whose six-month tenure of emergency rule ends today had on Wednesday night announced his departure from the Rivers Government House.
This is coming hours after President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of the end to the state of emergency in Rivers.
In his final address aired at 7am on Thursday, Ibas highlighted his achievements in the course of the six months.
He noted the restoration of calm and the reestablishment of public confidence in government as one of his core purpose and accomplishment.
Ibas also highlighted the conduct of the local government elections, reconstitution of commissions and passage of the state’s budget by the National Assembly as parts of his accomplishments.
“Today, I can say with conviction that by the grace of God and through our collective efforts, the mandate has been accomplished. Law and order have been restored, local government elections have been conducted, and chairmen elected by the people now serve in office.
“Statutory bonds and commissions have been reconstituted and are performing their duties. The state budget has been passed by the National Assembly, providing a legitimate fiscal framework for governance and development.
“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us because it reflects resilience of the people never to let their state slip into paralysis.” He said.
On the lessons learnt from the emergency rule, Ibas noted that exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions.
“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions. Rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“Let this chapter therefore stand as a permanent reminder that the head of polity depends not on who wins or loses but how political actors manage their differences.” He said.
Reflecting on his experience during the six-month tenure, the outgoing Administrator expressed his gratitude to every member of staff and civil servants who worked under him.
He also appreciated the elderly counsel and guidance from Rivers’ statesmen.
Ibas however urged Rivers people to support Fubara as he returns as the state governor.
“I have met outstanding men and women across the state’s bureaucracy, civil and public servants diligent in their duties and devoted to our state.
“I have benefitted from guidance and wise counsel of elders and statesmen who spoke truth to our difficult moment.
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to His Excellency Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect.
“And I urge all Rivers people to support him whole-heartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how competent, no matter a clear a vision will be, it can come to function and thrive with the active support of citizens.” The Administrator said.
He finally expressed his gratitude to Tinubu for the opportunity and privilege to take charge of Rivers affairs amid the political unrest in the state.
In the wake of his exit, thousands of residents and supporters of Fubara have stormed the Rivers Government House as they await his return.