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  • Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas, Reps Committee meet today

    Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas, Reps Committee meet today

    The rescheduled between of Rivers State Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete-Ibas with members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers Oversight will hold today, it was confirmed last night.

    Two previous meetings scheduled with the Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led panel did not hold. Ihonvbere is House Leader.

    Read Also: Ibas vows to revive Songhai farms in Rivers 

    The Committee, set up by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, has the objective of working towards resolving the political crisis in Rivers State within the shortest possible time.

    Vice Admiral Ibas was billed to meet the Committee on April 17, but the meeting was cancelled following a request from the administrator for a rescheduled session, a statement by House spokesman Akin Rotimi, said.

    The meeting which was rescheduled for yesterday will now hold today by 10am at the House of Representatives Wing of the National Assembly.

  • Ibas calls on CAN to support Rivers peace process

    Ibas calls on CAN to support Rivers peace process

    The Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State Chapter, to support efforts to restore peace, reconciliation and stability in Rivers.

    A statement signed by the SSA Media Hector Igbikiowubo, said Ibas spoke during an engagement with CAN leaders at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    The administrator emphasised the importance of the Church’s moral guidance in restoring harmony and 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 Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which led to his appointment as Administrator. 

    He said his mandate was to restore law and order; stabilise the polity and pave the way for the return of democratic governance. 

    He said since assuming office on March 20, 2025, he had engaged in broad consultations with civil society, traditional rulers and local government officials to rebuild trust and foster cooperation. 

    The administrator urged CAN to preach peace in congregations and communities; promote unity across ethnic, political, and denominational divides; encourage forgiveness and reconciliation among citizens, and serve as a beacon of hope amid fear and uncertainty. 

    He said: “The unity of the church is the seedbed for the unity of the State,” he stated. “Where the Church leads in love, the people will follow in peace.” 

    Ibas assured that his administration remained people-centered, accessible, and committed to justice and equity ans called for collective action, emphasising that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration and understanding. 

    Read Also: Easter: Ibas, wife, children worship at Rivers Government House chapel

    He urged religious leaders to remain steadfast in prayer and bold in truth and expressed confidence that, with CAN’s support and divine guidance, Rivers would emerge stronger and more united.

    In its response, the Rivers State chapter of CAN led by the Most Reverend Dr D.E Kala-Dukubo appealed to the administrator to involve the group in the peace-building process.

    He urged Ibas to ensure that critical aspects of governance were not ignored during the period of emergency rule, especially as it affected the 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.

  • Easter: Ibas, wife, children worship at Rivers Government House chapel

    Easter: Ibas, wife, children worship at Rivers Government House chapel

    Rivers State Administrator, Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas marked Easter on Sunday with a worship service at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt.

    Ibas was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Theresa, their children, and key state officials including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, and his family.

    A statement signed by the SSA media, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the administrator joined worshippers in a service filled with uplifting hymns and prayers for peace in Rivers State and the country.

    Read Also: Ibas vows to revive Songhai farms in Rivers 

    Chaplain Pastor Barasin Ogan delivered a message, reminding the congregation of the transformative power of Christ and assuring them of divine justification, deliverance, healing, and righteousness through faith.  

    Special prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu, Administrator Ibas, and the continued progress of Rivers State, reinforcing unity and faith as the foundation for a brighter future.

  • Nwuche seeks support for Ibas, hails Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers 

    Nwuche seeks support for Ibas, hails Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers 

    Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Prince Chibudom Nwuche, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold steps in restoring peace, law and order in Rivers State.

    Nwuche, who hails the President’s emergency rule in the state, called on all stakeholders to support the administration of Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd) to actualise his mandate in the state.

    Nwuche spoke when he received members of the former Councilors and Supervisors Forum from Ahoada East Local Government Area under the auspices of the Wikematic Counselors Forum (WCF) at his Port Harcourt residence.

    Nwuche commended his visitors for remaining steadfast during the political crises, which saw their efforts and contributions in making Siminalayi Fubara the governor of Rivers betrayed by Fubara.

    He said: “Rather than reaping the dividends of your contributions, you were pushed aside and victimized for your  stand for the truth. Those, who never worked for the emergence of the suspended governor became beneficiaries”.

    Nwuche berated the ingratitude displayed by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara towards his benefactor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike,  singlehandedly made him Governor against all odds.

    He reminded the former councillors of the need to always show gratitude, saying, “a river that forgets its source will soon dry up”,adding  that even the Holy Bible condemns ingratitude.

    He cautioned the promoters of ethnicity in Rivers politics, saying it was heightening the political tension, especially those from outside Rivers.

    Nwuche, emphasised that Fubara was voted by all the tribes in Rivers such as the Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ekpeye, Etche, Kalabari among others insisting that no ethnic group could solely make itself a governor in Rivers.

    He said: “Fubara wasn’t voted as an Ijaw governor, but as A Rivers governor. He was voted for all Rivers people and not for any particular tribe”.

    He urged meddlesome interlopers from outside Rivers to focus on their states and called on those at the National Assembly to direct their energies on matters affecting their constituencies.

    He said: “I feel very disappointed when I see some members of the National Assembly from neighboring states pontificating on the Rivers crisis as if it was why their constituents sent them to the National Assembly. I urge the National Assembly to sanction such members and their constituents to recall them for lack of understanding of their mandate.”

    Nwuche advised those continuously sponsoring protests designed to  cause a breach of peace in Rivers to retrace their steps and realize that a Supreme Court Judgement had  resolved all the political issues in Rivers.

    He said  no amount of protests could change the position of the law on the political issues in Rivers and called on all citizens of Rivers to support the Sole Administrator in his determination to restore permanent peace and drive development within the period of the state of emergency.

    Nwuche also thanked his visitors  for remaining on the side of truth despite intimidation and harassment saying they had been vindicated with the Supreme Court judgement.

    Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Adamu Moses, told Nwuche that they were in his house to thank him for standing behind Wike in supporting President Tinubu’s  administration.

    Adamu said but for the timely intervention of the President through the  declaration of emergency rule, the state was already heading for full scale crises that could have led to loss of lives and wide scale destruction of  national oil and gas assets.

    Read Also: Tinubu will win re-election comfortably, presidency assures

    He said bombings of oil installations started after persons, who claimed to be in solidarity with the suspended governor threatened fire and brimstone.

    Adamu  extolled the leadership qualities of Wike describing him as a detribalized leader, who sited developmental projects across all ethnic groups and LGAs in Rivers when he was governor.

    He said Wike made an Ijaw man governor against stiff opposition from even some notable Ijaw personalities who at that time discriminated the governor as not being “real Ijaw”.

    He wondered why same persons were 

     the ones working hard to bring the state down by preaching ethnicity and pledged that his group would continue to support the programmes of the Sole Administrator as well as Wike and the success of President Tinubu administration including his reelection in 2027.

    Coordinator of the Wikematic Former Councilors Forum in Rivers State, Dr Samuel Amos thanked Nwuche for being the true symbol of the Ekpeye man known for integrity and gratitude by standing with Wike.

  • Emergency rule: Reps panel, Ibas meet today

    Emergency rule: Reps panel, Ibas meet today

    The House of Representatives Special Ad-Hoc Committee with oversight powers over the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has invited him to appear before it today at the National Assembly.

    The committee, inaugurated on Tuesday, held its inaugural meeting and resolved to invite the Administrator.

    Spokesman of the House, Akintunde Rotimi, said in a statement that members deliberated on developments in Rivers since the Sole Administrator assumed office.

    The statement quoted the Chairman, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, as saying that the engagement with Ibas is necessary to ascertain the state of affairs.

    It said: “The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    Read Also: Varsities, polys, others grapple with new operational guidelines

    “A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged accordingly. This public announcement serves to reinforce transparency in the Committee’s proceedings.

    “The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Women demand Fubara’s return

    Hundreds of women dressed in red trooped to the streets of Port Harcourt to demand the return of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    The women, who took over the entire road, chanted Bring-Back-Sim in solidarity.

    The protesters under the auspices of the Rivers Women Unite Prayer Group pleaded with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to terminate the emergency rule.

    The women in their position paper, signed by Dr Nancy Nwankwo and Dr Vivian Ige-Elenwo, said: “Nearly one month after assuming control, rather than fostering reconciliation among the political stakeholders, Vice-Admiral Ibas has deepened the divide.”

    But, Vice Admiral Ibas said his administration has taken steps to restore normalcy and unite feuding parties.

    Speaking when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, led by its Chairman, Ademorin Kuye, he said: “In the past few weeks, our administration has prioritised the stabilisation of the state’s security environment and the peaceful resolution of the political conflicts that had threatened to erode public trust and economic progress.

    “Through consultations, peace-building engagements and coordination with security agencies, we have taken deliberate steps to restore normalcy and strengthen the fabric of unity in Rivers State.”

    Ibas said that his administration would require sustained collaboration and the support of institutions like the National Assembly to achieve its mandate.

    Govt warns against fake news

    Also yesterday, the state government refuted a viral report (not by The Nation) that Vice-Admiral Ibas summoned Fubara and his Deputy, Ngozi Odu, for interrogation.

    In a statement by the Office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG), the state described the report as fake.

    “The Rivers State Government categorically states that this announcement is fake and did not originate from any official source.

    “The public is urged to disregard this and any similar misinformation, as they are the work of troublemakers seeking to destabilise the state,” the statement said. 

  • We have taken steps to strengthen unity in Rivers, says Ibas

    We have taken steps to strengthen unity in Rivers, says Ibas

    The administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), said that his administration has taken deliberate steps to restore normalcy and strengthen the fabric of unity in the state.

    Ibas spoke when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, led by its chairman, Ademorin Kuye, at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

    He said: “In the past few weeks, our administration has prioritised the stabilization of the state’s security environment and the peaceful resolution of the political conflicts that had threatened to erode public trust and economic progress.

    “Through consultations, peace-building engagements, and coordination with security agencies, we have taken deliberate steps to restore normalcy and strengthen the fabric of unity in Rivers State.”

     Ibas said that his administration would require sustained collaboration and the support of institutions like the National Assembly to achieve its mandate.

    He said: “We therefore call on the National Assembly to continue supporting us in our effort to reposition Rivers State on the path of peace, progress, and prosperity.

    “We count on your expertise and your legislative support as we work to enhance the value of federal assets in the state, improve service delivery, and stimulate economic growth.”

    Ibas said the visit of the national lawmakers had rekindled hope that together they could work to overcome the challenges and unlock the vast potential of Rivers for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    He harped on the need for strict implementation of all existing Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreements at the various Sea Ports in the state to properly harness the derivable benefits.

    Ibas said the state had continued to serve as a critical hub for maritime, Oil and Gas operations, including other industrial activities.

    He, however, said that weak regulatory framework, lack of accountability and conflicting interest among stakeholders, had hampered business growth.

    He urged the visitors to fine-tune such PPP agreements to ensure transparency and strict adherence to contractual obligations.

    Ibas regretted that despite the volume of maritime activities in Rivers, the state had continued to grapple with numerous challenges in the infrastructural landscape following years of neglect, vandalism and underutilization.

    He noted the need for such public assets in dire need of rehabilitation and strategic realignment to be given the desired attention.

    Ibas said: “Among the assets currently operating under Public, Private Partnership framework in the state are the Onne Port Complex, various oil and gas service zones and certain segments of the Nigerian Ports Authority facilities.

    “While some of these partnerships have yielded appreciable results in enhancing operational capacities and boosting revenue, others remain underperforming due to weak regulatory frameworks, lack of accountability, and conflicting interests between stakeholders

    “A comprehensive assessment of these assets is therefore essential to determine their current state and chart a clear path forward. I believe that the National Assembly, through this committee, is well-positioned to help fine-tune existing Public-Private Partnership arrangements by ensuring greater transparency, adherence to contractual obligations, and improved monitoring mechanisms.”

    Their visit was auspicious because it provided an opportunity for them to carry out on-the-spot assessments of key federal assets, particularly those under PPP, lease-holding and concession agreements.

    Read Also: Reps committee summons Ibas over emergency rule in Rivers

    The Administrator sued for greater collaboration in ensuring that such partnerships delivered value for money and served the best interests of the Rivers people.

    “It is also important to emphasise the significance of this oversight visit in evaluating the state of critical infrastructure in our state”, he said.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Public Assets, Ademorin Kuye, said they were in the state to conduct oversight on federal assets, specifically to determine their usage, status, and possible disposal of those assets within Nigeria and overseas.

    He explained that they were also mandated to look at seized assets, as proceeds of crime in particular, working with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure that Nigerians got the full benefits of the disposal of such assets.

    Kuye said that they were looking at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements entered into by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) that were still subsisting at Port Harcourt Ports, Ibeto Ports, and Onne Ports, to evaluate their findings and present a report to the House.

  • Reps committee summons Ibas over emergency rule in Rivers

    Reps committee summons Ibas over emergency rule in Rivers

    The House of Representatives special ad-hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in Rivers State has summoned the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), to appear before it on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.

    The committee, which was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Speaker of the House, held its inaugural meeting and resolved to invite the administrator for a detailed briefing on the situation in Rivers State since the declaration of emergency rule and his assumption of office.

    In a statement issued by the House spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi, the meeting served as a platform for committee members to review early reports and ongoing developments from the state.

    According to the statement, the committee, acting under its constitutional mandate in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), is determined to carry out full legislative oversight of the situation.

    Read Also: Reps summon non-compliant petroleum depots, give seven-day ultimatum 

    Chairman of the committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, emphasized that the engagement with Vice Admiral Ibas is crucial for understanding the actual state of affairs in the state and to ensure the House is well-informed as it fulfills its oversight responsibilities in the interest of the Nigerian public.

    It said, “The Sole Administrator is expected to appear before the Committee on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM, in Room 414, House of Representatives New Building, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    “A formal letter of invitation has been sent and acknowledged accordingly. This public announcement serves to reinforce transparency in the Committee’s proceedings.

    “The Committee reiterates its commitment to fulfilling its duties with diligence, transparency, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Ibas tackles NBA over N300m hosting grant

    Ibas tackles NBA over N300m hosting grant

    • Sole Administrator threatens lawsuit
    • IYC, MOSIEND, others: refund Rivers cash

    Rivers State Government yesterday insisted that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) must refund the N300 million it received or face a lawsuit.

    It countered the NBA’s claims that the money was “an unconditional gift” and not tied to the hosting of its Annual General Conference (AGC) in the state.

    The AGC, to be held from August 22 to 28, was originally billed for Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital.

    The association later chose Enugu as the host city in protest against the declaration of emergency in the oil-rich state.

    The state government vowed to deploy all legal processes to retrieve the state’s resources if the NBA failed to willingly refund the money.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, insisted that the records of the government showed that the N300 million was tied to the hosting of the AGC in the state.

    The statement said: “The government rejects the NBA’s allegation that the N300million payment made by the state was a ‘gift’ unrelated to hosting rights for the NBA AGC 2025.

    “For clarity, the Rivers State Government’s records show that the payment of N300 million to the NBA was made with the mutual understanding that Rivers State would host the 2025 edition of the NBA AGC.

    “The Rivers State Government entered into this arrangement with the NBA in good faith, with the understanding that hosting the conference in the state would attract significant economic benefits to our state, positively and directly impact the businesses of our people.

    “The NBA’s unilateral decision to relocate the AGC 2025 against our mutual understanding and subsequent decision to withhold the N300 million paid for the purpose of hosting the NBA AGC 2025 in Rivers State is unethical and amounts to a breach of trust.

    “Failure of the NBA to immediately refund the N300 million to the Rivers State Government will compel the implementation of all legal means to recover the property of the good people of Rivers State.

    “We reaffirm our willingness to engage in partnerships with all professional bodies, including the NBA, but we will not accommodate exploitation of our people and the Rivers State Government.”

    Also, stakeholders faulted the NBA for relocating its annual conference from Port Harcourt after collecting N300m from the state government.

    They called on the leadership of the legal body to immediately redeem the association’s image by refunding the money.

    The commentators described the position of the NBA that the money was an unconditional gift as odious and irresponsible, insisting that the government paid the money to attract some economic and social benefits to Rivers people.

    A former President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Udengs Eradiri, said the NBA missed the point and squandered a platform it would have used to speak to power on its position concerning Rivers.

    Eradiri advised the body to return the money to Rivers warning that failure to do so would bring an integrity crisis to the association.

    He said: “The NBA should return the money since they have relocated the conference.

    “I don’t think the management of the NBA was right to have moved that conference.

    Read Also: Ibas denies reported recruitment of 10,000 workers

    “It would have been a landmark opportunity to express their grievances over it. But the NBA seems to be blowing hot and cold.

    “The honourable thing is to return the money. This money is not (suspended Governor Siminalayi) Fubara’s money, it is Rivers State money.

    “If you collected money for a purpose and you are no longer going to carry out that purpose, you should honourably return the money. The NBA is losing its integrity.”

    A former Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, a lawyer, called for the immediate resignation of the NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).

    He was of the opinion that Osigwe had brought the legal profession to disrepute.

    He insisted that the money should be refunded because it was not even budgeted for by virtue of the Supreme Court’s judgment.

    He said: “How many other states contributed to the hosting of an NBA conference? Where was the NBA when a governor of a state recklessly demolished an arm of government?

    “Afam Osigwe didn’t make any statement. Where was the NBA when a governor of a state presented a budget to three members of a state Assembly? The NBA didn’t say anything.

    “More worrisome is that the N300 million they gave to the NBA was not appropriated. And as lawyers, we ought to know that.

    “The best thing for Afam to do is to refund that money. Let’s assume the Sole Administrator hired him as a lawyer to get this money from the NBA, what will be his defence?

    “I am asking him to step down. He has made the NBA a beggarly organisation. But we are not. Lawyers are aristocrats. Let them refund the money to Rivers government because it was not appropriated and he should resign.

    “Agreement is agreement. How many millions did the Enugu State Government give to them to take the conference to Enugu?

    “I am a member of the NBA and I pay my dues and this is how lawyers all over the federation pay their dues. We also pay conference dues. So, Afam has no reason to be going around to be begging for money.”

    The President of the Movement for Izon Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Amb. Kennedy Tonjo-West said the defence of the NBA did not hold any water.

    “The claim that a whole N300 million is an unconditional gift doesn’t hold any water. If they felt that democratic governance is lacking in Rivers, the best is to still hold the programme. If you feel you want to relocate it, you must let go of the cash.”

    A former Publicity Secretary, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Ebilade Ekerefe, said the primary reason the money was given to NBA was to enable Rivers to host the conference.

    He said: “If for whatever reason they are relocating the conference to Enugu, the honourable thing is to refund the money. There is no better way to put it.

    “It is Rivers State money and the reason it was given to them was for the NBA to invest the money in Rivers so that Rivers people can benefit.

    “If they are moving the programme to Enugu and you are taking the money along, it is capital flight. NBA is an honourable organisation and has a reputation it built over the years. The society is watching.

    “If you collect that money without organising the programme in Rivers it will look like the Rivers government is being swindled. It is not Sim Fubara’s money. The money belongs to Rivers.

    “It is not the first time Rivers has hosted the conference. They had done it before and we saw the impact.

    “Nobody is saying that you should not pull out of Rivers. If you are doing so, return the money because the money belongs to Rivers people. It doesn’t belong to the sole Administrator or to Fubara.”

    NBA’s position

    NBA declined comments yesterday on Rivers government’s threat to sue.

    In a statement by its AGC 2025 Planning Committee Chair Emeka Obegolu (SAN) on Monday, it clarified the decision to host the 2025 AGC in Port Harcourt was taken in August 2024 and was not subject to any bidding process or payment of any hosting rights.

    NBA said: “The host city has no hosting right and there is no representation by the NBA that the Conference must be held in a chosen city.

    “Traditionally, because of the enormous cost involved in hosting the AGC, NBA Conference Planning Committee approaches organisations, agencies of government and state governments for support and the support requested is unconditional and not tied to hosting rights or any rights whatsoever.

    “Recent NBA conferences have been supported by different state governments, corporate organisations, ministries, departments and agencies whose budgets accommodate corporate social responsibilities and share the same vision with NBA.

    “Such financial support is in the form of gifts, partnerships or sponsorships. The money from Rivers State was a gift and was not tied to any purported hosting right for the NBA AGC.

    “We are committed to delivering a world-class conference to members of the Bar and will not be drawn into any unnecessary controversy over this issue.”

  • I am impartial in Rivers political crisis, says Ibas

    I am impartial in Rivers political crisis, says Ibas

    The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), has pledged to remain neutral amid the ongoing political crisis in the state.

    Ibas emphasised that his administration would prioritize conflict resolution and peace-building to promote the collective prosperity of Rivers State and its citizens.

    He noted that sustaining open dialogue among diverse groups would help create a conducive environment for healing and mutual understanding.

    The retired naval chief made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of youth organisations and other stakeholders, led by the Rivers State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nwisabari Bani, at the Government House in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

    Ibas said: “It is important to restate my impartial stand on the political crisis that has plagued out State. I remain committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all individuals, irrespective of their political affiliations, have a voice in the future of Rivers State. My administration will continue to focus on the collective good of our people. 

    “I call on all of you, the vibrant and energetic youth of this State, to embrace collaboration, dialogue, and continued engagement. It is imperative that we all work as one to ensure that the mandate entrusted to me by Mr President is fulfilled. We will continue to prioritise restoration of democratic institutions to make every effort in restoring peace to our beloved state.”

    Ibas stated his determination to uphold the law and ensure that all Rivers people, irrespective of their politics inclination, had a voice in the future of the state.

    Read Also: Ibas denies reported recruitment of 10,000 workers

    He also urged youth of the state to be actively involved in the processes and policies implemented by his administration towards restoration of democratic institutions and achieving enduring peace.

    Ibas pointed to the many consultative meetings that he had brokered with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations, traditional rulers, civil servants and leaders from various sectors of our society, geared towards building trust among the citizenry.

    He said such meetings became instrumental in identifying the key areas of developmental focus for him, including involving Rivers youths, who make up a large percent of the population of the state.

    Ibas said: “Therefore, my administration’s focus on youth development is a multifaceted approach that seeks to prioritise four critical areas. First, education, providing our youths with knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

    “Creating avenues for young people to acquire vocational skills that will make them economically self-sufficient through skill development. 

    “Providing economic opportunities and enduring that young people in Rivers State have access to job opportunities, that our State becomes a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, and digital inclusion, embracing technology to ensure that all our youths are digital literates and have access to global economy.”

    In his address, the Rivers State Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nwisabari Bani, expressed gratitude to Ibas for meeting with them and offering them hope as critical development partners. 

    He assured that Rivers youths would give their unalloyed support to the administrator to deliver on his mandate.

  • Why I appointed administrators for Rivers councils, by Ibas 

    Why I appointed administrators for Rivers councils, by Ibas 

    Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral  Ibok Ibas (retd) has explained that his decision to appoint administrators for the 23 local government areas in the State came from his findings when he visited some of the councils.

    Ibas gave the explanation when he held a meeting with the 23 administrators at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.

    He said after the visits, he realised that he needed people to help him at the grassroots level to enable him actualise the mandates of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He advised the administrators to work within the principles of accountability, transparency and sense of service to help them build trust and promote sustainable development.

    Ibas told them to focus on issues of sanitation, environmental management, primary healthcare, welfare and discipline of local government civil servants, primary education, and youth engagement.

    He said such areas would form the basis of assessing their performances in the coming weeks.

    He said:” Since resuming this assignment, I have taken time to visit a few local government areas. 

    Read Also: Ibas appoints Sole administrators for Rivers councils

    “Those visits have afforded me the opportunity to interact with local government civil servants and it was clear that I needed help with administering the entire state after the emergency proclamation areas which I am responsible for following from Mr president’s proclamation.

    “And So, I went about trying to identify few individuals from which in the 7th April 2025, I selected those seated here today as administrators of the 23 Local Government Areas.

    “I expect you all to recognize this moment in history and rise to the occasion, as impartial leaders that will help me deliver on the mandate given to me by Mr president to restore peace and stability and works towards returning all democratic institutions in the State. 

    “Your selection to the important office is not by chance but a recognition of your capacity to lead, your commitment to service and the trust reposed in you to bring governance closer to the people.

    “Therefore, you bear the sacred responsibility, a duty to ensure that affairs of your respect councils are managed with the utmost care, respect, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people.

    “Let me state it unequivocally clear here,this administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse office or misuse of public funds or trust. 

    “The resources allocated to our local government must be used strictly for the purposes intended. 

    “There might be accountability, and valued for money for every project executed, every policy implement and every kobo spent. 

    “The people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money are being used and it is your duty to receipt proper account and value. 

    “To this end we will work out the necessary modalities to monitor and ensure good compliance with the principles of due processes, transparency and zero tolerance for financial recklessness across all local government.”