The Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas has appealed to the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to support peace and reconciliation efforts in the state amid the ongoing political and security challenges.
Speaking during an engagement with CAN leaders at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the administrator emphasised the importance of the church’s moral guidance in restoring harmony.
He extended Easter felicitations, describing the season as a reminder of hope, sacrifice, and unity.
Ibas acknowledged the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which led to his appointment as administrator.
He outlined his mandate in the state to include restoring law and order, stabilising the polity, and paving the way for the return of democratic governance.
The administrator said that since assuming office on March 20, 2025, he has engaged in broad consultations with civil society, traditional rulers, and local government officials to rebuild trust and foster cooperation.
The administrator urged CAN to leverage its influence by preaching peace in congregations and communities and promoting unity across ethnic, political, and denominational divides.
Also, he urged the clergy to encourage forgiveness and reconciliation among citizens and to serve as a beacon of hope amid fear and uncertainty.
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“The unity of the church is the seedbed for the unity of the state; where the church leads in love, the people will follow in peace,” he stated.
The administrator, who assured that his administration remains people-centered, accessible, and committed to justice and equity, called for collective action, emphasising that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration, and understanding.
He urged religious leaders to remain steadfast in prayer and bold in truth, drawing inspiration from the Easter message, expressing confidence that with CAN’s support and divine guidance, Rivers State will emerge stronger and more united.
Responding on behalf of the CAN delegation, Most Rev. D. E. Kala-Dukubo appealed to the administrator to involve the group in the peace-building process in the state.
He urged the administrator to ensure that critical aspects of governance are not ignored during the period of emergency rule, especially as it affects environmental sanitation.
CAN also decried the volume of misinformation in the public space and urged the administration to tackle it headlong, adding that the development portrayed the state as a place at war.
