Rivers: Emergency rule a necessity – Ibas

The outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has said that the state of emergency declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 28, 2025 was a necessity brought upon the state by insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust. Ibas, who stated this during a Public Lecture titled […]

The outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has said that the state of emergency declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 28, 2025 was a necessity brought upon the state by insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust.

Ibas, who stated this during a Public Lecture titled ‘Good Governance and Democratic Dividends’ delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, as part of the transition activities held in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, explained that he has restored stability in the state under extraordinary circumstances.

He also revealed that much is still needed to be done to sustain the peace, especially as the foundation has been laid with the successful conduct of the August 30th local government elections, which has returned democratic rule to the grassroots.

He said that the public lecture was more than an intellectual exercise, adding that it has a covenant renewal with the people of Rivers State.

Ibas thanked the people of the Rivers State for the support and cooperation given to him in the last six months as the State Administrator, insisting that he has achieved the presidential mandate given to him to restore peace and security in Rivers State.

The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, said as the Ibas-led administration is transiting, it should serve as a period of sober reflection to the people of the state.

He argued that the case of Rivers state should be an example for other states in the country.