Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), who served as Sole Administrator of Rivers State during its six-month emergency rule, claimed that he restored peace and stability in the state under unusual circumstances.
He made the claims in Port Harcourt on Tuesday while giving a public lecture entitled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends.”
Ibas suggested that emergency rule was not an option but a necessity because of intense insecurity, political paralysis, and deep mistrust between political leaders. Ibas stated in acknowledging the unusual circumstances, he was able to stabilize Rivers State.
He thanked the people of Rivers for their fortitude and cooperation, indicating that it was their patience and support that made restoring normalcy possible. One of the greatest successes of his administration was, Ibas noted, the peaceful, local government elections on August 30, which he saw as a watershed moment in the pathway of democratic governance.
Ibas called on the people of Rivers to exhibit, a spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, the ingredients Ibas describes as vital to sustaining peace in the State. He stated that in order for Rivers State to demonstrate stability, the dividends of democracy must be shared with all citizens in every household.
Ibas articulated that lessons learned from the emergency rule is that peace is the essential ingredient of flourishing, meaning nothing can flourish if peace is not secure. He warned that bad governance creates conditions for opportunism that is fatal to lives and livelihoods of the people.
The retired Vice-Admiral further urged stakeholders to build on previous progress, stating that more must be done to deepen trust and strengthen democratic institutions. He described his lecture as a renewal of commitment to the people of Rivers.
Stating that the State is now poised to transition fully to democratic governance, Ibas indicated he was confident that the newly restored state of normalized and stabilized conditions should serve as a firm foundation upon which to rebuild. He asserted that the River’s experience should serve as a model for other states facing similar crises.
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