Key figures in the Rivers State political crisis, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, were noticeably absent on Sunday at the farewell thanksgiving service of the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
The interdenominational service, held in Port Harcourt as part of transitional activities, provided Ibas with a platform to appeal to political stakeholders to prioritize the state’s collective interest above partisan battles or personal ambition.
“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted, but they need your deliberate nurture to take root. Rivers State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve,” he cautioned.
Traditional rulers absent as service draws officials and security chiefs
Although many traditional rulers were missing from the ceremony, the event attracted permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, board heads, parastatal leaders, and security commanders across Rivers State.
Ibas recalled that President Bola Tinubu had appointed him administrator on March 18, 2025, after declaring a state of emergency in Rivers amid rising political hostilities and militant sabotage of oil infrastructure.
The emergency led to the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, with the suspension period due to end on September 18.
Looking back on his stewardship, Ibas said:
“By God’s grace and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have worked through those difficult days together. Today, we thank God for peace, stability, and the successful conduct of local government elections across the state.”
He charged youths to reject violence, urging them to channel their strength toward peacebuilding and prosperity.
According to him, the future of Rivers depends on unity and shared commitment to progress.
“Let us forgive, let us reconcile, and let us heal. For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity,” he said.
He called on elders and faith leaders to continue offering guidance and prayers for reconciliation.
