The Administrator of Rivers State, Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd) has warned troublemakers and those who may want to test the will of the government of the day to have a rethink as the full weight of the law would heavily descend on them
In his maiden broadcast to the people of Rivers State Thursday evening, the sole administrator said while respect of civil liberties and the rule of law would be guaranteed, those who want to destroy property will not be allowed.
“No room for lawlessness. No space for violence.We will enforce the law when necessary, but civil order will lead”, he stated
He said his mission is to restore normalcy and protect lives and property as well as oil facilities.
“The president’s decision is to ensure security and restore peace for the economy and address any threat to life and property.
“My mandate is to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and restore democratic institutions and representation,” he added.
Admiral Ibolk said he had dedicated his life to the service of the nation, serving as the 20th chief of naval staff and ambassador to Ghana, and that national assignment had brought him out from retirement pledging his commitment to give his best to the national service.
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“Duty has called and I have answered. I have abiding commitment to Nigeria and Rivers State,” he said
According to the sole administrator, Rivers State has had political impasse of almost two years which has paralysed governance, desecrated democratic institutions, and undermined the economic and social fabrics of the state.
“It has deepened divisions among the people and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future. These are issues we cannot afford to ignore,” he said.
He said as a son of the Niger Delta, he feels the weight of expectations of the people, and businesses who are uncertain of what the future holds.
Describing the assignment as a delicate one, he said it is not a task for one man alone hence.all Rivers people are needed.
“I did not come as a partisan actor or competitor in this moment. I come as a servant of the state entrusted with the mandate to restore peace and order so Rivers State can move forward again as the oil and gas capital.
“I am here to ensure that lives are not held hostage by instability. Governance is not a solitary endeavour. It requires the collective support of the people.
“I therefore, extend my hand to all. I urge the people to remain law-abiding. Let us set aside our differences. It is time for unity, not division. Dialogue will be the watchword.”
He pointed out that destruction of public infrastructure is no more how to express grievances, stressing that Niger Delta had left that behind long ago
He called on the political actors, traditional rulers, elders and youths to close ranks so that the state can be positioned on the path of peace, unity and stability.
He said he had held his first security meeting and has given orders and charged the security commander to remain neutral.
Ibas urged the people to remain calm and await the roadmap on how the state would be governed for the next six months.
