Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has officially handed over authority to Governor Sim Fubara following the end of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday morning, Ibas thanked President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and urged Rivers residents to support Governor Fubara as he resumes his constitutional responsibilities.
The emergency rule, declared by President Tinubu six months earlier, temporarily suspended Governor Fubara and installed Ibas as Sole Administrator to stabilize the state.
During his farewell message, Ibas highlighted achievements under the emergency administration, including the restoration of peace and order, successful conduct of local government elections, reconstitution of statutory boards and commissions, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly to provide a legal framework for governance.
“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us and reflect the resilience of our people, determined never to let the state slip into paralysis,” he said.
He cautioned that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy,” noting that his experience had deepened his appreciation for dedicated public servants and wise counsel from statesmen.
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect,” Ibas stated. “I urge all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility. No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only thrive with the active support of citizens.”
Ibas described the handover as the close of another chapter in his career, spanning service at sea, diplomacy, and now governance.
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