The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retd.), has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his timely and reassuring intervention in the state’s recent political crisis.
Vice Admiral Ibas commended the president while speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Saturday in Port Harcourt, for his decisive actions in restoring order and strengthening governance in the state.
According to him, “Let me express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta.
“His intervention in restoring order and governance in the state was timely, firm, and deeply reassuring. Mr President continues to demonstrate strong political will for regional development, economic equity, and national cohesion. We are indeed grateful,” Ibas said.
The crisis in Rivers State began with a rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which led to chaos in the state assembly and widespread tension.
In response, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency, suspending Fubara and his deputy and appointing Ibas as Sole Administrator.
While the move sparked controversy and legal challenges, it ultimately paved the way for a peace meeting between Fubara and Wike, facilitated by President Tinubu.
Ibas praised the President’s commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region, noting that his intervention was both timely and reassuring.
He also commended the President’s strong political will for regional development, economic equity, and national cohesion.
Ibas also reflected on the NDDC’s journey, highlighting its growth into a “beacon of regional integration and intervention.”
“As host state to the headquarters of this very important Commission, and a principal stakeholder in its work, Rivers State acknowledges a unique relationship with the NDDC.
“Our state has been both a contributor and beneficiary, from road construction and rural education to youth empowerment, water, and health projects.
The impact of these efforts across the length and breadth of our state cannot be denied,” he said.
He noted that the commission had made significant contributions to bridging infrastructure gaps, improving livelihoods, and supporting community aspirations across the Niger Delta.
Ibas called for collaboration to expand the NDDC’s interventions into critical areas such as sports development, institutionalized skills training for youths, and exploring the region’s potential in the blue economy.
He emphasised the need to key into President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed his firm belief that the Niger Delta region could catalyze significant development by exploiting its blue economy potential.
Overall, Ibas’s remarked highlighted the importance of effective leadership and collaboration in driving development and stability in the Niger Delta region.
As the host state to the NDDC’s headquarters, Rivers State has benefited from the Commission’s projects, including road construction, rural education, youth empowerment, water, and health initiatives.
