The newly appointed administrator of Rivers state Vice Admiral Ibas following the emergency rule declaration and his swearing in by President Tinubu has assured the residents of the state that he is in no way partisan stating that his objective is to restore peace and tranquility to the state.
Admiral Ibas disclosed this in a state wide broadcast on Thursday where he addressed the residents of the state. This landmark address is the first Ibas has issued since his assumption of office.
Recall that Ibas who formerly served as the 20th Chief of Naval Staff in Nigeria was recently appointed and sworn into office as the sole administrator of Rivers State. Following this, Ibas arrived at the Rivers state government house on Wednesday March 20 to resume duties and additionally held a meeting with security officials.
Read story here:https://naijaeyesblog.com/politics/vice-admiral-ibas-arrives-govt-house/
In his landmark address Ibas stated that his aim was to restore peace to Rivers state, stating that he was not an enemy but rather , one of them. Ibas also noted that though his appointment comes at a difficult time, it was for the good of the state
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State.”
“After what I believe to be my retirement from public service, duty has called again. I have answered not for personal ambition but out of abiding commitment to bring peace, stability and prosperity to Nigeria as a whole and more specifically, Rivers State.”
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you and I recognize the weight of this moment, the expectations of the people and the challenges that lie ahead. The uneasy calm that pervades the state is palpable and I feel the weight of families, young and old, businesses are uncertain what the future holds.”
“My mandate is clear, to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and create the necessary conditions for the full restoration of democratic institutions and representation. This is not a task for one man alone.
“Success will depend on the collective effort of all Rivers people: elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women, the media and civil society.”
“I come as a servant of the state entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers State can move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria and I dare say, Africa..
“I extend my hands to every son and daughter of Rivers State regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or greed. I urge you to remain law-abiding, peaceful and optimistic. Let us set aside our differences and work together to rebuild trust, restore stability and protect the future of our children.
“The challenges before us depend on unity, not division. On corporation, not discord. On forward thinking, not backward grievances. Commitment to unity, cooperation and dialogue must be the fulcrum of all engagements going forward.
Ibas addressed the issues of vandalism and destruction that had happened in the state affirming that there would be no room for lawlessness and further urging the residents of the state to resist the temptation to return to those ugly days.
Admiral Ibas stated “Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in the Niger Delta had since put behind us. Through collective engagement, our people have become more aware of the collateral damage that comes with it. Not only does it deprive the government of enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, the damage to the environment has left vast areas of the Niger Delta extensively devastated, affecting the health and livelihood of our people.
“We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days. Dialogue and honest engagement have proven from time and time again as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflict of any kind.”
“Those who seek to sabotage the social and economic stability of Rivers State and national infrastructure within the state or who attempt to disrupt the peace for selfish ends will find no tolerance for their actions.
“There will be no room for lawlessness, no place for violence and no patience for actions that threaten our collective wellbeing. We will not act arbitrarily neither will we hesitate to enforce the law when necessary.”
“I have noted the various reports, initiative and concerns some of which I have given clear directives for specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the right of citizens and do all within their powers to maintain law and order while collectively working to deescalate tensions where they come in contact with such.”
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