Newly appointed Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the crisis-hit state.
Speaking to journalists after his swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Ibas emphasized that his priority is ensuring law and order.
“We all understand the circumstances that led us here. The President made it clear that our focus must be maintaining peace and stability in Rivers State,” Ibas said.
He assured residents that meaningful development can only take place in a secure environment, stating, “I will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure peace, security, and stability for the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.”
The appointment follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing prolonged political unrest. Under this directive, Ibas will oversee the state’s affairs for an initial six-month period.
A retired naval officer, Ibas previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 before his appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana.
