By Kenneth Ibinabo
Copyright newmail-ng
Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, says the declaration of emergency rule in the state was a “necessity forced upon us by insecurity and political impasse.”
Ibas spoke on Tuesday during a public lecture in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, organised as part of the transition activities.
The public lecture was themed ‘Democracy and good governance.’
The sole administrator said the emergency rule was never a choice, noting that it offered “enduring lessons” for the state.
He said his administration has restored democratic governance at the grassroots level with the conduct of the LG elections. “Let me be clear: emergency rule was never our choice.
“It was a necessity, forced upon us by insecurity, political impasse, and a breakdown of trust. Yet, in hindsight, it offered enduring lessons.
“That peace is priceless. That without security, no other aspiration is possible. That when governance is weakened, opportunism fills the vacuum, endangering lives and livelihoods.
“And, most importantly, that the indomitable spirit of the Rivers people cannot be broken. You endured, you persevered, and you remained steadfast. The stability we have restored is the foundation upon which democracy must now be rebuilt.”
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu imposed an emergency rule in the oil-rich state in the wake of a political crisis.
The president also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for six months.
He appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the sole administrator of the state.
The emergency rule is expected to end on Thursday, September 18.
