I’LL WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO ENSURE PEACE IS RESTORED IN RIVERS, SAYS IBAS

Retired vice admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the newly sworn-in sole administrator of Rivers, says he will work together with all stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability is restored in the state.

Ibas, a retired vice admiral, was sworn in as the sole administrator of Rivers state, by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

His swearing-in follows the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers by Tinubu, and further suspension of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and members of the state’s legislature.

Rivers state has been embroilled in a protracted political crisis due to power struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), over control of the political structure of the state.

Speaking on Wednesday shortly after his swearing in at the Presidential villa in Abuja, Ibas said Tinubu has spelt out his assignment in Rivers.

“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here,” Ibas said.

“Mr. President made it very clear in this broadcast, that the main issue is maintaining law and order in the state.

“I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers state, the utmost task is that I will have to work together with all other stakeholders to ensure that we bring peace, order and security and stability to the people and government of River state and Nigeria at large.”

Meanwhile, the senate has postponed a decision on approving the declaration of a state of emergency in the state until Thursday, after a rowdy debate in the chamber.