Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called on Rivers people, particularly political leaders, to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust to foster enduring peace and development in the state.
The Sole Administrator who made this appeal during a Special Public Lecture held to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of the State in Government House Banquet Hall Port Harcourt lamented that political conflicts have strained institutions, eroded trust, and undermined governance.
The lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” highlighted the state’s remarkable journey and the urgent need to overcome political divisions threatening its progress.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibas reflected on Rivers State’s historic struggle for identity and self-determination since its creation in 1967, noting its emergence as Nigeria’s second-largest economy with a $28.4 Billion GDP and over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production.
While attributing the current political crisis to the failure of elites, faith leaders, and elders who took sides and fueled tensions, he emphasized that the differences can be resolved through mature dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.
“This is not the Rivers State we dreamt of, it is not the legacy our forebears fought to build, and it must not be the path we continue to walk,” he declared.
The Sole Administrator praised President Bola Tinubu for intervening to prevent anarchy and appointing an administration tasked with restoring democratic institutions, justice, and order—a mandate he vowed to fulfill.
“We must rebuild Rivers State on the pillars of peace, unity, and shared prosperity,” He said.
Guest lecturer Professor Godwin Okon of Rivers State University while giving his lecture traced the state’s evolution from a public-sector-driven economy to a dynamic public-private partnership model, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
In his welcome remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, celebrated the resilience of Rivers people and their unwavering commitment to a prosperous future.
