.Says Rivers will emerge stronger, greater
.NASS ratifies emergency rule
By Abdulateeef Bamgbose and Caleb Ishaya
Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Retd, has said that he feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people”.
Ibas, who described himself as “As a son of the Niger Delta”, assured residents that his role is non-political and aimed at restoring governance and stability.
The Sole Administrator who assumed office yesterday, at Government House, Port Harcourt, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding civil liberties and ensuring citizens’ safety.
In a statewide broadcast he issued a strong warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to reject any attempt to reignite past hostilities.
According to him, the political crisis is a major setback for governance and democracy in the state and acknowledged the hardships families and businesses have endured due to the ongoing uncertainty. He said, ” I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses and the future of our people”.
He then assured that he would uphold the rule of law, but warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“My mandate is clear: to restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth.
“But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity”, he said.
Ibas, stated that a State Security Council meeting had been convened and strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
He described the emergency rule as a necessary step to restore order and revive economic activity as well as expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the assignment and the National Assembly for approving the State of Emergency.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater”, Ibas stated.
The Senate yesterday approved President Ahmed Tinubu’s request to impose emergency rule in Rivers state.
The decision was taken after a close door session by the Lawmakers .
The approval came hours later after the House of Representatives approved the request by President Tinubu.
With both chambers of the National Assembly endorsing the move, the six- months suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara , his deputy, Ngozi Odu, members of the State House of Assembly is set to take full effect.
The emergency rule was announced by Tinubu on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 over political irreconcilable differences that nearly stopped governance with the classified security report before the president, mayhem that might affect the livelihood and economic mainstay of Nigerians and Nigeria May not be quantified.
Also, President Bola Tinubu yesterday lauded the National Assembly for ratifying the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the decision as a crucial step in restoring stability.
He highlighted that the prolonged political crisis had paralysed governance and jeopardised national and economic security for more than 15 months.
He commended the leadership of the National Assembly, including Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, and Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He also praised other principal officers and members for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers people over partisan interests.
The President also acknowledged the lawmakers’ careful review of classified security briefings, emphasising the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.
“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy.
“This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability”, Tinubu stated.
He affirmed that the six-month emergency would empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.
“This decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the actions of leaders. We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria”, he said.
Tinubu also thanked Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers.
