Sole Administrator Assumes Duty, Announces Release Of Seized Funds
The newly sworn in Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas has assumed office with assurances that he would maintain neutrality and ensure adherence to the rule of law.
He’s also planning a visitation to the state secretariat to meet with civil servants on Monday March 24, 2025. Even as he announced that the federal government has released the withheld federal allocations of the state which were seized in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling of last February 28.
He gave the assurances on Thursday while briefing Government House Correspondents after a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state. He also met with traditional rulers in the state as well as Permanent Secretaries.
In a meeting with Heads of local councils in the state, he announced that the federal government has released the withheld federal allocations to the state and assured civil servants that their March salaries would be paid as at when due.
Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (Rtd) called for the cooperation of all segments of the state, including politicians, elders, women and youth groups, adding that he would seek engagements that would facilitate quick, peaceful and acceptable resolution of the political impasse.
Parts of his address to the state made public reads: . . .“As a son of Niger Delta, I’m one of you and I recognize the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead. The uneasy calm that pervades the state is palpable and I feel the weight of families, young and old, businesses that made both huge and little investments in Rivers State, uncertain of what the future holds.
“My mandate is clear, to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and create that necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation.
“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 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. Governance is not a solitary endeavour, true stability requires the collective will of the people.
“Let me be clear, under my leadership, civil liberty and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected. The rule of law will remain sacrosanct, however those who seek to sabotage the social and economic stability of Rivers State and national infrastructure and institutions within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish and destructive ends will find no tolerance for their actions.
“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 when necessary. Let no one be in doubt, we will uphold justice and fairness but we will also ensure that civil order prevails.”
The address went on to state he has had his inaugural state security council meeting and taken additional briefs from heads of security agencies in the state as well as given directives on specific actions, saying that he specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens and do all within their power to maintain law and order.
“In the coming days, we will move with deliberate speed to articulate a pragmatic road map for the next six months to ensure that every government bureaucracy is properly functioning . . . I asked for your understanding and cooperation. Above all I ask for your faith in the possibility of a better future, one built on peace, stability and progress,” stated the address.
Meanwhile, Port Harcourt, the state capital and suburbs across the state remain calm on day three of the presidential proclamation, with people going about their businesses unhindered, oblivious of the emergency rule imposed on the state.
Our Correspondents who roved round the city observed general calmness in the various parts of the city visited.
