As the end of the emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu draws nearer, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, appealed to Rivers people, especially the politicians to sheath their sword, rise above bitterness, rivalry and self -interest to pursue the greater good of the state.
The Administrator made the appeal Sunday, during an Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, ahead of transition from office.
Recall that President Tinubu declared a State of Emergency in the State on March 18, following the political crisis which was threatening the governing functionality.
The president, during the declaration, announced that the emergency rule would last for six months, while appointing Vice Admiral Ibas to temporarily man the affairs of the State.
During the church service, yesterday, the administrator noted that it was part of official events marking the state’s transition back to democratic governance.
Ibas stated that his administration had “deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace, which he said requires the collective nurturing of all Rivers people to flourish.
He recounted the challenges the state faced, noting that it was “torn by divisions, instability, and broken trust” before the intervention by President Tinubu.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together. The survival and relative stability we enjoy today is a testimony of God’s faithfulness”, Ibas stated.
Addressing the politicians, the Administrator admonished them to “sheath your swords”, declaring that no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen.
He stated that the progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal or partisan interest, and that politics must never be an excuse to destroy the state they are called to serve.
To the youth, the Administrator urged them not to be used as instruments of violence but to instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state.
He further called on community leaders, elders, and religious figures to continue providing guidance, wisdom, and prayers for the continued stability of Rivers State.
Attributing the achievements of his administration to a collective support, he expressed; “On this Thanksgiving Day, I thank God Almighty for His mercy. I thank Mr President for his leadership and unwavering support. I thank every Rivers man and woman for their patience, support, and understanding through the last six months.
“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted. These seeds need your deliberate nurture to take roots. Our collective sacrifices and commitment to peace is what we must all strive to guide at this time.
“Truly it was God who kept Rivers State. This service is a solemn testimony of God’s faithfulness to Rivers State. We have survived storms Political, social, economic, and through it all, God has been faithful”, the Administrator stated.
In his sermon, Chaplain of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Pastor Barasin Ogan, echoed the Administrator’s call for unity, urging citizens to let go of the past and work synergistically to build a better Rivers State.
Blessing Ibunge
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