IBAS HANDS OVER TO GOVERNOR FUBARA AS EMERGENCY RULE ENDS IN RIVERS

Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the sole administrator of Rivers state has handed over power to Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Thursday after serving as for six months.

Ibas was appointed in March by President Bola Tinubu to stabilise the state during a political crisis that had crippled governance, declared that his mission has been accomplished.

Speaking at the handover, he said peace and order had been restored, citing the conduct of local government elections, the passage of the state budget, and the reconstitution of statutory boards as milestones achieved under his watch.

Reflecting on the tense months in Rivers, Ibas warned that unchecked rivalry could weaken democracy and urged political actors to embrace dialogue and unity. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust given to him and praised security agencies and residents for their resilience.

As he bowed out, Ibas appealed to Rivers people to rally behind Governor Fubara, stressing that leadership can only succeed with the active support of citizens.

He described the handover as the close of another chapter in his life of service, praying that Rivers State would never again be pushed to the brink of collapse.

President Tinubu had earlier announced an end to the state of emergency in Rivers, paving the way for the return of full democratic governance.

Reported by Jennifer Harry