The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has declared that the State of Emergency was a necessity in Rivers State, which enabled him to restore peace and stability in the face of severe insecurity, a political impasse, and a breakdown of public trust in the State.
Ibas said, with the cooperation of key stakeholders, his administration had successfully conducted peaceful local government elections, reinstating democratic governance at the grassroots level.
He said the state has successfully stabilised under his stewardship, providing a critical foundation for it to become a leading model of good governance in Nigeria.
The administrator stated this on Tuesday during a Public Lecture themed “Democracy and Good Governance,” an event that convened scholars, policymakers, and citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the recent experience of Rivers State.
Reflecting on the necessity of the emergency period, the administrator stated, “Emergency rule was never a choice. Yet, in hindsight, it offered us enduring blessings — that peace is priceless, that without security no other aspiration is possible, and that the indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken.”
He drew a poignant connection between a Thanksgiving Service held two days prior and the public lecture, describing the latter as “a covenant renewal with the people of Rivers State, an affirmation that democracy must deliver and that governance must always be rooted in service.”
Commending the guest lecturer, Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike, for his insightful presentation on “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends,” the administrator encouraged the wide dissemination of the lecture’s content.
Ibas called on all citizens to recommit to the values of tolerance, reconciliation, and collective progress.
“The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy must now be rebuilt,” he charged. “Much remains to be done, but the foundations have been laid. Let us build on it and prove to the world that Rivers State, the treasure base of the nation, can also be the model of good governance in Nigeria.”
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, described the event as “a defining moment” in the state’s history, marking the conclusion of six months of emergency rule and the transition back to democratic governance. He emphasised the “sacred duty” of all citizens to nurture institutions that uphold justice, fairness, and accountability.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike underscored the imperative of inclusivity, genuine citizen empowerment beyond monetary handouts, and sustainable policies. He highlighted the critical need to prioritise agriculture through innovation and security to drive economic diversification.
Prof. Amuda-Kannike urged the people of Rivers to embrace dialogue, respect, and forgiveness as essential tools for peacebuilding, asserting that “Rivers State, a place of beauty and light, must shine again as an example for other states across Nigeria.”
The well-attended lecture provided a platform for a robust discussion on the way forward for the state, reinforcing a collective optimism for a future built on good governance and enduring democratic principles.
