The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, were conspicuously 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 the transitional activities, was also snubbed by several traditional rulers.
However, the event attracted permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of boards, agencies, and parastatals, as well as top security commanders across the state.
In his address, Ibas urged political stakeholders to put the state’s interest above personal or partisan 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 said.
He further appealed to the people to embrace forgiveness and peace, noting that unity was crucial for the state’s 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,” the retired admiral added.
Ibas recalled that President Bola Tinubu appointed him as administrator on March 18, 2025, after declaring a state of emergency in Rivers following heightened political tension and militant attacks on oil installations.
At the time, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months, a tenure that will expire on September 18.
“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,” Ibas stated.
The outgoing administrator also charged youths to shun violence and redirect their energy towards building a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State. He urged elders and religious leaders to sustain prayers and guidance to consolidate reconciliation efforts.