The sole administrator of Rivers, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged residents to set aside bitterness, rivalry, and selfish interests in order to foster peace and sustainable development in the state.
Speaking on Sunday at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt to mark the state’s return to democratic governance after the local council elections, Ibas reflected on the state’s journey.
Appointed in March by President Bola Tinubu to oversee Rivers for six months under emergency rule, the sole administrator noted that the state was previously “torn by divisions, instability and broken trust” before the intervention.
He emphasized that his administration had “deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace” during the past six months, which he said must now be nurtured by the people.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together; the survival and relative stability we enjoy today are testimony to God’s faithfulness,” he said.
He added: “Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen.
“The progress and prosperity of Rivers state must be placed above personal or partisan interest; politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.
“The youth should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence but should instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state.
“I urge community leaders, elders and religious figures to continue providing guidance, wisdom and prayers for the continued stability of Rivers state.”