Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has lamented that political conflicts have strained the institutions and undermined governance in the state.
He said despite huge resources, the state suffers lack.
The administrator attributed the current political crisis to the failure of elites, faith leaders, and elders who either took sides or fueled tensions. He emphasised that differences can be resolved through mature dialogue and a shared commitment to peace
He, therefore, called on all Rivers people, particularly political leaders, to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust to foster enduring peace and development in the state.
The administrator made this appeal during a Special Public Lecture held to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of Rivers State at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt. The lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” highlighted the state’s remarkable journey and the urgent need to overcome political divisions threatening its progress.
“This is not the Rivers State we dreamt of. It is not the legacy our forebears fought to build, and it must not be the path we continue to walk,” he declared.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for intervening to prevent anarchy and appointing an administration tasked with restoring democratic institutions, justice, and order—a mandate he vowed to fulfill.
Beyond hydrocarbons, Rivers State boasts a thriving agricultural sector and growing investments in tourism and manufacturing. However, Vice Admiral Ibas stressed that sustainable progress depends on collective efforts toward reconciliation.
“We must rebuild Rivers State on the pillars of peace, unity, and shared prosperity,” he urged, highlighting the need to secure a brighter future for Rivers children, whose aspirations depend on stability and access to quality education.
Speaking on Rivers’ Economic Journey, the guest lecturer, Prof. Godwin Okon of Rivers State University, traced the state’s evolution from a public-sector-driven economy to a dynamic public-private partnership model, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
In his welcome remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, celebrated the resilience of Rivers people and their unwavering commitment to a prosperous future.
