The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) has stated that having stabilised Rivers State, his administration has provided a critical foundation for the State to become a leading model of good governance in Nigeria.
Ibas made this remarks just as ahead of Thursday’s expected resumption of duties by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the reinstated Rivers APC spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, has extended an open invitation to the suspended governor to join the party.
Ibas made the assertion on Tuesday, during a Public Lecture themed “Democracy and Good Governance”, held in Port Harcourt.
Ibas recounted that his administration’s core mandate, upon assumption of office on March 18, 2025, was to restore peace and stability in the face of severe insecurity, political impasse, and a breakdown of public trust.
He noted that with the cooperation of key stakeholders, his administration had successfully conducted peaceful local government elections, reinstating democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Ibas stated, “Emergency rule was never a choice. It was a necessity. Yet, in hindsight, it offered us enduring blessings that peace is priceless, that without security no other aspiration is possible, and that the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken.”
He described the recent transition activities as “a covenant renewal with the people of Rivers State, an affirmation that democracy must deliver and that governance must always be rooted in service.”
Commending the guest lecturer, Prof Abiodun Amuda-Kannike, for his insightful presentation on “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends,” the Administrator called for the wide circulation of the lecture’s submissions.
Expressing gratitude to Rivers people for their support, Vice Admiral Ibas called on all citizens to recommit to the values of tolerance, reconciliation, and collective progress.
“The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy must now be rebuilt,” he charged.
“Much remains to be done, but the foundations have been laid. Let us build on it and prove to the world that Rivers State, the treasure base of the nation, can also be the model of good governance in Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Ibibia Worika, described the event as “a defining moment” in the state’s history, marking the conclusion of six months of emergency rule and the transition back to democratic governance.
He emphasised the “sacred duty” of all citizens to nurture institutions that uphold justice, fairness, and accountability.
In his keynote lecture, Amuda-Kannike underscored the imperative of inclusivity, genuine citizen empowerment beyond monetary handouts, and sustainable policies.
He highlighted the critical need to prioritise agriculture through innovation and security to drive economic diversification.
Amuda-Kannike urged Rivers people to embrace dialogue, respect, and forgiveness as essential tools for peacebuilding, asserting that “Rivers State, a place of beauty and light, must shine again as an example for other states across Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, APC spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, has extended an open invitation to the suspended governor to join the party.
Nwauju, spoke when he appeared as a guest on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Tuesday.
According to him, “If I were the Governor of Rivers State, on my return on Thursday, I would announce my defection to the APC.
“I think the Governor should join the APC, and we would gladly receive the Governor into our party.”
When asked if Fubara would be the Rivers APC leader should he join the party, Nwauju replied in the affirmative.
He said based on the APC’s convention, Fubara automatically becomes the party’s leader should he join its fold.
“By the convention of our party, if he joins the APC, he becomes the leader of the party,” Nwauju stated.
He also weighed in on the administration of the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), in the past six months.
According to him, the APC in Rivers State has not called for the probe of Ibas.
“APC has not officially demanded that Ibas give an account of his stewardship for the past six months.
“The budget approval he got was from the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. There is a committee from the House of Representatives overseeing the period of emergency.
“I do expect that the committee should be able to do due diligence, come up with that report, and tell Nigerians what they found out. It is one of their core mandates in the business of legislations and lawmaking,” he stated.
President Bola Tinubu and suspended Fubara were expected back in the country on Tuesday, ahead of Rivers’ return to democratic rule on Thursday.
Tinubu is returning to Abuja after cutting short his vacation in France, while Fubara is also due back from London. Their return comes just as the Rivers State Administrator intensifies preparations to hand over power with a series of transition activities marking the end of the emergency rule in the state.
Tinubu, who departed Nigeria on September 4 for his annual holiday in France and the United Kingdom, was initially billed to spend 10 working days (ending September 10) abroad but concluded his break ahead of schedule.Chuks Okocha and Blessing Ibunge
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