The outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has urged people of Rivers State to transcend bitterness, political rivalry, and self-interest to forge a united path toward peace and sustainable development.
He made the call on Sunday during an Inter-Denominational Church Thanksgiving Service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt.
The service was part of official events marking the state’s transition back to democratic governance following the recent peaceful local government elections.
Reflecting on the last six months, Ibas stated that his administration had “deliberately sown seeds of love and peace,” which now require the collective nurturing of all Rivers people to flourish. He recounted the profound challenges the state faced, noting that it was “torn by divisions, instability, and broken trust” before the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together,” Ibas stated. “The survival and relative stability we enjoy today is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.”
In a firm address to the political class, Ibas admonished political actors to “sheath their swords,” declaring that no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen.
On transition, Ibas emphatically stated that “the progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal or partisan interest,” and that “politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.”
Ibas also directed a message to the youth, urging them not to be used as instruments of violence but to instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state.
He further called on community leaders, elders, and religious figures to continue providing guidance, wisdom, and prayers for the continued stability of Rivers State.
Attributing the modest achievements of his administration to a triumvirate of support, he expressed profound gratitude: “On this Thanksgiving Day, I thank God Almighty for His mercy. I thank Mr. President for his leadership and unwavering support. I thank every Rivers man and woman for their patience, support, and understanding through the last six months.”
The sermon was delivered by the Chaplain of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Pastor Barasin Ogan. Speaking on the theme of “Grateful Heart,” Pastor Ogan echoed the Administrator’s call for unity, urging citizens to let go of the past and work synergistically to build a better Rivers State.
The service featured scripture readings by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, and special prayers were offered for the Administrator, his team, and the continued peace and prosperity of Rivers State.
