Rivers Emergency Rule: Wike, Fubara Shun Ibas’ Farewell Thanksgiving Service
- All is set for the suspended governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, to return to their elected position
- This is as Rivers' sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, called on political actors in the state to prioritise the peace of the state over partisan politics
- In an interesting twist, Ibas held a Thanksgiving service to aid the transition to democratic governance in Rivers; however, FCT minister Nyesom Wike and Fubara were noticeably absent
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Rivers state administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called on political actors in the state to sheathe their swords, saying the progress and prosperity of Rivers state must be placed above personal or partisan interest.
Source: Facebook
Recall that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
According to Ibas, his administration has planted the seed for reconciliation, but said it’s the people who nurture it to take root.
As reported by The Punch, Ibas urged all stakeholders, including leaders, elders, politicians, and citizens, to put the state first at all times.
Ibas made this assertion during an interdenominational thanksgiving service in commemoration of transitional activities to usher in democratic governance in Rivers state in Port Harcourt on Sunday, September 14.
Source: Facebook
Wike absent as Ibas holds Thanksgiving
Notable politicians in Rivers state, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike were absent at the event.
Quoting some Bible passages he said thanksgiving is a solemn testimony of God’s faithfulness to the State, saying:
“We have survived storms political, social, economic, and through it all, God has been faithful.”
Ibas continued:
“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted. These seeds need your deliberate nurture to take root.
“I make a special appeal to our political actors, sheathe your sword. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.
“The progress and prosperity of the River State must be placed above personal or partisan interest. River State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony.”
Speaking further, Ibas called on the youths as he described them as the strength of Rivers State, while urging them not to allow themselves to be used as tools for violence.
In his words:
"Channel your energy into building, creating, and sustaining peace. Your future, our collective future, depends on it."
“While efforts at peace and reconciliation take hold, Ibas urged all stakeholders, leaders, elders, political actors, and the citizens alike to ‘put Rivers State first.’
“Let us guide the peace we have, nurture it with love, and grow it with stability and prosperity for generations yet unborn.”
“Our elders must continue to guide with wisdom. Our faith leaders must sustain prayers for peace.”
Read more about Rivers here:
- Wike hides details of peace deal with Fubara
- Breaking: Wike reveals date Fubara will return, video trends
- Rivers emergency rule: Group hails Ibas, criticises Fubara, “From chaos to stability”
- Rivers crisis: Wike breaks down, mentions how Fubara betrayed him, “I wept”
"I fulfilled Tinubu's mandate" - Ibas declares
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Rivers State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) declared that President Tinubu’s mandate to stabilise the state and restore democracy was achieved.
Ibas commended RSIEC for conducting transparent local government elections and promised a government review of the report, with a white paper to follow.
Source: Legit.ng
