September 18, (THEWILL) — Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) on Thursday urged Rivers people to rally behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, declaring that leadership and followership must go hand in hand.
President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, declared a State of Emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly.
The move followed months of political turmoil, constitutional breaches, and security threats, and Ibas was appointed as administrator to stabilise the oil-rich state.
The crisis, which paralysed governance, stemmed from a protracted power struggle between Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
On Wednesday, President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule and directed Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly to resume duties from September 18, 2025.
In his farewell address in Port Harcourt, Ibas prayed that the state would never again face such instability.
“My dear people, may this state never again be brought to the brink of collapse. May we always choose unity over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis.
“The garden city must never lose its fragrance. May God bless us all. May God bless Rivers State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Reflecting on lessons from the crisis, the former naval chief warned against unchecked power and political rivalry devoid of dialogue.
“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“Let this chapter stand as a permanent reminder that the health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses, but on how political actors manage their differences and on the strength of the institutions we preserve and the unity we nurture,” he stated.
Handing over to Fubara, Ibas said he was leaving with “confidence and respect,” stressing that no leader can succeed without the support of the people.
“No matter how competent or clear your vision may be, it can only come to fruition with the active support of citizens. Leadership and followership is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The administrator highlighted some milestones during his six-month stewardship, including the conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
He thanked President Tinubu for entrusting him with the assignment, praised security agencies for maintaining order, and commended the resilience of Rivers people.
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