Ibas Officially Hands Over Reigns Of Power Back To Fubara
….Warns Against Bringing Rivers To The Brinks Of Collapse Again
….Silent On Financial Account
The outgone Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) has formally handed over the reigns of power back to the state Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, in a statewide broadcast after six months of his sojourn under emergency rule.
Ibas in the broadcast said he had fully carried out the mandate of restoring order in the state in line with the assignment he received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he declared a state of emergency on March 18.
“Six months ago, President Bola Tinubu entrusted me with the solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history.
“Today, I can say with conviction that by the grace of God and through our collective efforts, the mandate has been accomplished; law and order has been restored; local government elections have been conducted and chairmen elected by the people now serve in their offices.
“Statutory boards and commissions have been reconstituted and are performing their duties. State budget had been passed by the National Assembly providing a legitimate fiscal framework for governance and development.
“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us because they reflect the resilience of the people determined never to allow their state slip into paralysis”, he said in the broadcast.
Ibas said despite the milestones, Rivers required constant vigilance, sacrifices and leadership anchored on enduring truth.
“We must be mindful however that statecraft is not a destination. Even the most advanced nations and countries must constantly renew themselves because governance is a living process.
“Rivers State will continue to require vigilance, sacrifice and leadership anchored on one enduring truth that government exist to protect the people and to promote their welfare and wellbeing”
On the lessons learnt from the emergency rule, Ibas said: “One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“Let this chapter stand as a permanent reminder that the health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses but on how political actors manage their differences and in the strength of the institutions we preserve and the unity we nurture”.
Ibas reflected on his period as the sole administrator and said the journey was solely about restoring order in the state.
“As I reflect on this assignment I do so with deep appreciation. I have met outstanding men and women across the state, people and public servants diligent in their duties and devoted to our state.
“I have benefited from the guidance and wise counsels of elders and statesmen who spoke truth at difficult moments. I am grateful to my family whose support never wavered and to the young aides who laboured to deliver on this mandate.
“I salute my former colleagues, the men and women in uniform whose courage and sacrifices remained the bedrock of our peace and security. Their dedication to service is unmatched and Rivers State owes them a debt of gratitude.
“Above all, I thank you the people of Rivers resilient patient and hope. You stood firm through the storm and believed in the possibility of renewal. This journey was never about one man it was about restoring dignity to governance and giving you back what is rightfully yours.
“As I hand back the reigns of leadership to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I urge Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how competent and clear a vision may be it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me this is the closing of another chapter in life, devoted to service in diplomacy and now in governance.
“I leave with gratitude to God, proud of what we have accomplished together and hopeful of what lies ahead. May history remember not just the titles we bore but the fidelity with which we have served”.
Ibas thanked President Tinubu for reposing confidence in him and entrusting him with the onerous task of restoring order in the state as well as supporting him throughout the period
“May this state never again be brought to the brinks of collapse. May we always choose unity over division; dialogue over discord and progress over paralysis. The garden city must never lose its fragrance”, he said.
Nevertheless, all through in his broadcast, Ibas was silent on the financial account of the state for the six months he was in charge of the state during emergency rule despite calls from stakeholders for him to render financial report under his watch.
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