The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.),** has assured residents that his appointment is not driven by political interests but by a commitment to restoring peace and order. He emphasized that he is neither a partisan actor nor a competitor in the state’s ongoing political struggles but a servant of stability and governance
Speaking in a statewide broadcast on Thursday, shortly after assuming office, Ibas made it clear that he will not allow crises to hold the people of Rivers hostage or threaten the state’s economic future as Nigeria’s Oil and Gas capital.
To ensure law and order, Ibas convened **separate meetings with Security Commanders and Permanent Secretaries of various ministries, where he directed security forces to remain neutral** while protecting civil liberties and fundamental human rights.
“I have just concluded my inaugural State Security Council meeting and have taken additional briefs from security agency heads. I have noted their various reports, initiatives, and concerns, some of which I have given clear directives on,” Ibas stated.
He stressed that under his leadership, **no threats to national economic assets will be tolerated**, given their potential to cause collateral damage and environmental harm.
Acknowledging that governance is not a one-man task, the administrator called on elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth, women, civil society, and the media to come together to rebuild trust, restore stability, and protect the future of Rivers State.
“There will be no room for lawlessness, no space for violence, and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being,” Ibas warned. “We will uphold justice and fairness but will also ensure that civil order prevails.”
To revitalize governance, Ibas promised a six-month roadmap focused on ensuring that government agencies function