“I’m Laying Foundation for Good Governance,” Rivers Sole Administrator Explains

• Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has shared his major plans for the development of the state
• Amid the crisis involving FCT minister Nyesom Wike and his godson, Siminalayi Fubara, Ibas stated that his administration is focused on strengthening good governance
• Ibas spoke on Monday, May 19, 2025, as he declared open a four-day workshop for top civil servants in Rivers state

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Rivers state, Port Harcourt - Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has disclosed that his administration is laying a solid foundation for good governance in the state, driven by strong institutions, a results-oriented public service, and sustained capacity building.

My administration focusing on good governance - Ibas

Ibas made this assertion on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Port Harcourt, the state capital, while declaring open a 4-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop for Sustainable Development.

The training, organised by the Rivers State Government in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), began on Monday and brought together permanent secretaries, local government administrators, and directors from various ministries across the state.

Ibas, in his speech, said the workshop represented a major step in repositioning Rivers state’s public service to meet the rising expectations of citizens in a fast-changing world, The Punch reported.

“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency, and fostering a results-driven public service,” Ibas said.

“We are laying the foundation for a culture of good governance—one that will serve not just the present generation but also those to come.”

Describing the essence of the programme, Ibas stressed that only regular and relevant training can break the cycle of stagnation in governance and prepare public servants to adapt, grow, and transform service delivery.

Recall that President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state House of Assembly, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as sole administrator.

Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads barely six months after the latter resumed office over the control of Rivers state's political structure.

The state has continued to make the headlines since Fubara's suspension, as various stakeholders continue to fault President Bola Tinubu's decision.

Read more about Rivers crisis here:

• “Find practical solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity”: Sole Administrator of Rivers tells military
• Fubara: Tinubu asked to end emergency Rule in Rivers
• Rivers emergency rule: Tinubu’s FG hires ex-AGF, 11 SANs as Supreme Court battle looms
• Wike vs Fubara: Guru Maharaj mentions ‘real enemy’ of peace amid Rivers emergency rule

Rivers' sole administrator suspends SSG

Legit.ng earlier reported that Ibas suspended all political appointees and office holders in the state with immediate effect.

In a statement, the Chief of Staff to the Administrator said the decision was made under the powers granted to Ibas by President Bola Tinubu.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng