Ibas Hands Over to Fubara as Rivers Returns to Democratic Rule

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), on Thursday formally handed power back to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, declaring that law and order had been restored in the state.

In his farewell address, Ibas—appointed six months ago by President Bola Tinubu to stabilise the state during its political crisis—highlighted the “milestones of progress” achieved under his watch. These, he said, included the conduct of local government elections, the reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.

Reflecting on his tenure, the former Chief of Naval Staff stressed that governance requires vigilance, sacrifice, and dialogue. He warned that unchecked power undermines institutions, while political rivalry without dialogue threatens democracy. “The health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses, but on how political actors manage their differences,” he noted.

Expressing gratitude to Tinubu for the assignment, Ibas commended security agencies and the people of Rivers for their resilience. He urged citizens to support Governor Fubara, emphasising that leadership and followership must go hand in hand. “May this state never again be brought to the brink of collapse,” he said, as Rivers resumed full democratic governance following the official end of emergency rule declared by President Tinubu on Wednesday.