Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has handed over power to Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the expiration of his six-month mandate.
Ibas announced the development during his final statewide broadcast on Wednesday.
“Now as I hand back the reigns of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect and I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility,” Ibas said.
Ibas expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and urged Rivers people to rally behind Fubara as he resumes his duties.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had suspended Governor Fubara in March while declaring emergency rule in the state. However, the president on Wednesday said the proclamation will not be renewed.
In his address, Ibas highlighted the conduct of local government elections, the reconstitution of statutory boards and commissions, and the passage of the state budget during his tenure. He maintained that these milestones reflected the resilience of Rivers people determined to preserve governance despite political upheavals.
Ibas also warned against unchecked political rivalry, noting that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.”