Rivers State’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), didn’t mince words yesterday, publicly accusing the state’s elite, elders, and religious leaders of failing to proactively resolve the bitter political feud between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. According to Ibas, instead of remaining neutral, many took sides, ultimately escalating tensions that led to the imposition of emergency rule in March.
Ibas’s remarks came during a public lecture in Port Harcourt, marking the state’s 58th anniversary. The lecture, aptly titled ‘Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,’ highlighted the urgent need to overcome the political divisions plaguing the state.
The Cost of Conflict: A Dream Deferred
Lamenting the detrimental impact of these conflicts on governance, Ibas passionately called on Rivers indigenes, especially political leaders, to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity for peace to be fully restored.
Reflecting on Rivers State’s journey since its creation in 1967, Ibas noted its emergence as Nigeria’s second-largest economy with a substantial $28.4 billion GDP and over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production. Yet, he pointed out that despite these achievements, political conflicts have severely strained institutions, eroded trust, and undermined governance.
“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 stated, a powerful testament to the current state of affairs. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention, which he believes prevented anarchy.
Stakeholders Demand Urgent Resolution and Accountability
Meanwhile, stakeholders under the umbrella of Social Action (SA) Nigeria held a summit in Port Harcourt, calling for an urgent and fair resolution to the political crisis. They emphasized that the emergency rule should not be a “pretext for authoritarian control” but rather a “short-term measure with a clear plan to restore elected government and the rule of law.”
The group further advised that the “root causes, godfather interference, disloyal security apparatus, breakdown of legislative independence in the state must be addressed head-on.” They issued a stark warning: “If Rivers democracy collapses, it would set a precedent that could unravel democracy across Nigeria.”
The summit, organized in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, brought together various stakeholders and civil society groups to address corrupt practices hindering the Niger Delta’s development.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be crucial for Rivers State as both internal reconciliation efforts and external oversight from the National Assembly intensify.
