The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) has attributed the current political crisis to the failure of elites, faith leaders, and elders who either took sides or fueled tensions in the state.
The retired Vice Admiral emphasised that differences can be resolved through mature dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu for intervening to prevent anarchy and appointing an administration tasked with restoring democratic institutions, justice, and order a mandate he vowed to fulfill.
The administrator made the assertion, during a Special Public Lecture held to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of Rivers State at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
The lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” highlighted the state’s remarkable journey and the urgent need to overcome political divisions threatening its progress.
In his remarks, Ibas called on all Rivers people, particularly political leaders, to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust to foster enduring peace and development in the state.
Vice Admiral Ibas reflected on Rivers State’s historic struggle for identity and self-determination since its creation in 1967, noting its emergence as Nigeria’s second-largest economy with a $28.4 billion GDP and over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production.
Despite the achievements, he lamented that political conflicts have strained institutions, eroded trust, and undermined governance.
“This is not the Rivers State we dreamt of. It is not the legacy our forebears fought to build, and it must not be the path we continue to walk,” he declared.
Vice Admiral Ibas stressed that sustainable progress in agriculture, growing investments in tourism and manufacturing, others, depends on collective efforts toward reconciliation.
“We must rebuild Rivers State on the pillars of peace, unity, and shared prosperity,” he urged, highlighting the need to secure a brighter future for Rivers children, whose aspirations depend on stability and access to quality education.
In his lecture, Prof Godwin Okon of Rivers State University traced the state’s evolution from a public-sector-driven economy to a dynamic public-private partnership model, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
Blessing Ibunge
Follow us on:
