The newly appointed Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has pledged to prioritise restoring law and order as he assumes leadership following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Ibas emphasised the critical need for stability to enable governance and economic activities to thrive.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in this state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have—to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order, security, and stability to the people and government of Rivers State and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
President Tinubu’s decision to impose emergency rule comes amid rising political tensions and reports of widespread pipeline vandalism, which have disrupted oil production and heightened security concerns. The move led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, as federal authorities seek to stabilise the state.
Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, is expected to leverage his military and diplomatic experience to address the security crisis.
The emergency measures will involve increased military presence, stricter law enforcement, and collaboration with local and federal agencies to tackle security threats. Stakeholders within the state, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and civil society groups, have been urged to cooperate with the administrator in efforts to de-escalate tensions.
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