Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has declared that no more will crisis be allowed to hold residents hostage in the state.
Vice Admiral Ibas made the declaration in a state-wide broadcast to residents of the state on Thursday.
The broadcast, came shortly after he assumed duties and had separate meetings with service commanders and Permanent Secretaries of Government Ministries in Government House in Port Harcourt.
Vice Admiral Ibas said he got briefs during those meetings including Security Council Session, and eventually had directed them to remain apolitical.
“I have just concluded my inaugural State Security Council meeting, and taken additional briefs from heads of security agencies in the state.
“I have noted their various reports, initiatives and concerns, some of which I have given clear directives on specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens and do all within their powers to maintain law and order, while collectively working to de-escalate tensions where they come in contact with such.”
The administrator stated that the mandate to him included restoring law and order, ensure stability of the polity and full restoration of democratic institutions and representations in Rivers State.
Vice Admiral Ibas said the task was not for one man alone to do and called for collective efforts of all Rivers people – elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth, women, the media, and civil society to ensure success.
He stated: “I do not come as a partisan actor nor as a competitor in the struggles that have 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 once again and reclaim its rightful place as the Oil and Gas Capital of Nigeria and I dare say Africa.
“My role here is to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of our people are not held hostage by crisis and instability.”
Vice Admiral Ibas urged all residents in the state to remain law-abiding, peaceful, and optimistic while setting aside their differences and work together in rebuilding trust, restoring stability, and protecting the future of Rivers children.
The administrator acknowledged the challenges ahead, which depends on unity, cooperation, forward-thinking mindsets and a commitment to the greater good of the State.
Ibas sued for continuous dialogue, which must be the fulcrum of all engagements and warned against threats to national economy assets, which cause collateral damage and impact the environment negatively.
He also stated clearly that under his leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected.
“However, those who seek to sabotage the social or Rivers economic stability of our state, national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish or destructive ends, will find no tolerance for their actions.
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“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence, and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but neither will we hesitate to enforce the law where necessary. Let no one be in doubt, we will uphold justice and fairness, but we will also ensure that civil order prevails.”
Vice Admiral said in the coming days, Rivers people will see deliberate speed in the articulation of pragmatic roadmap for the next six months to ensure that every government bureaucracy functions properly while all agencies provide services to citizens.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and entrusting him serve in such delicate national assignment.
He also thanked the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly for approving Mr President’s State of Emergency proclamation for Rivers State.
“I will have to work closely together with the National Assembly under the guidance of Mr President. Consequently, I hope to continue to count on their support and cooperation throughout this assignment.
“With abiding faith in God, together, we will overcome these challenges. Together, we will restore the dignity and greatness of the Garden City, Rivers State. May God help us in this onerous task,” he added.
