The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has formally handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the six-month emergency rule in the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Ibas thanked Rivers people for their support during his tenure and urged them to rally behind Fubara as he resumes office.
“My dear citizens of Rivers State, it’s with gratitude in my heart and humility in my spirit that I address you today for the final time as administrator of our beloved State,” he said.
Ibas, who was appointed in March after Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara and declared emergency rule, said the intervention was necessary to restore law and order and stabilize governance.
He highlighted some achievements recorded under his stewardship, including the restoration of peace, conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards and commissions, and passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us and reflect the resilience of the people determined never to let their state slip into paralysis,” he stated.
The retired naval chief also reflected on lessons from the emergency rule, warning against abuse of power and political rivalry without dialogue.
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility,” he added.
President Tinubu had on Monday announced the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstated Fubara, paving the way for the governor to resume his constitutional duties.