The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has praised President Bola Tinubu for his timely and reassuring intervention in the political crisis that unsettled the state earlier this year.
Speaking on Saturday at the grand finale of the Niger Delta Development Commission’s (NDDC) 25th anniversary in Port Harcourt, Ibas commended the President for taking decisive action to restore order and strengthen governance.
“I extend our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to peace and stability in Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta,” Ibas stated.
“His intervention was timely, firm, and deeply reassuring. Mr President continues to display strong political will in promoting regional development, economic equity, and national cohesion. We are truly grateful.”
Rivers State had plunged into political turmoil following a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Their rift triggered unrest within the state assembly and widespread tension.
In response, President Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in March. He suspended Governor Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibas to administer the state. The decision drew both commendation and legal challenges.
By June, Tinubu had brokered a peace meeting between Fubara and Wike, leading both parties to reconcile and pledge cooperation for the stability of the state. Their joint public appearance after the peace talks signalled the resolution of the crisis.
Reflecting on the NDDC’s 25-year journey, Ibas described the Commission as a “beacon of regional integration and intervention,” noting its significant contributions to infrastructure, livelihoods, and community development across the Niger Delta.
“As the host state of the NDDC headquarters and a key stakeholder, Rivers State shares a unique relationship with the Commission,” he said. “We’ve benefited from projects in road construction, rural education, youth empowerment, water supply, and healthcare. The positive impact across our communities is undeniable.”
Ibas urged greater collaboration to expand development into areas such as sports, vocational skills training, and the blue economy.
“We must begin to shift focus—not abandoning roads and bridges—but aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. I firmly believe the Niger Delta, in partnership with the NDDC, can drive over half of this agenda by tapping into the potential of our blue economy,” he concluded.