Retired Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas on Wednesday bowed out as Administrator of Rivers after President Bola Tinubu ended the six-month emergency rule and reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a statewide broadcast from Port Harcourt on Thursday, Ibas said Tinubu declared the emergency on March 18 to stabilize Rivers’ tense political atmosphere and promised to restore democratic rule once calm returned.
He explained that during his tenure, he restored order, conducted local government elections, reconstituted statutory boards, and secured passage of the state budget.
He described these milestones as proof that the state had regained stability.
Ibas thanked Rivers residents and Tinubu for their support while urging citizens to rally behind Fubara.
He warned political actors against rivalry without dialogue, stressing that unity and stability should outweigh personal ambition.
He also commended civil servants, security agencies, and community leaders for helping maintain calm during the emergency.
With Tinubu’s September 17 directive lifting the rule, Fubara resumed office, closing six months of uncertainty but leaving the political climate still delicate.