Rivers State Administrator has declared that no more will crisis be allowed to hold residents of the state hostage.
Ibok Ibas, a retired vice admiral, made the declaration in a State-wide broadcast to residents of the State on Thursday.
The broadcast, came shortly after he assumed office and had separate meetings with service commanders and Permanent Secretaries of Government Ministries in Government House in Port Harcourt.
Ibas said he got briefs during those meetings including Security Council Session, and eventually directed them to remain apolitical.
“I have just concluded my inaugural State Security Council meeting, and taken additional briefs from heads of security agencies in the State.
“I have noted their various reports, initiatives and concerns, some of which I have given clear directives on specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens and do all within their powers to maintain law and order, while collectively working to de-escalate tensions where they come in contact with such.”
The Administrator stated that the mandate to him included restoring law and order, ensure stability of the polity and full restoration of democratic institutions and representations in Rivers State.
Ibas said the task is not for one man alone to do and called for collective efforts of all Rivers
people – elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youth, women, the media, and civil society to ensure success.
He stated: “I do not come as a partisan actor nor as a competitor in the struggles that have brought us to this moment.
“I come as a servant of the State, entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order, so that Rivers State can move forward once again and reclaim its rightful place as the Oil and Gas Capital of Nigeria and I dare say Africa.
“My role here is to ensure that the lives and livelihoods of our people are not held hostage by crisis and instability.”
Asks traditional rulers to work together:
Meanwhile, the Administrator has promised to explore the indispensable wisdom, influence and leadership of the traditional institution in the collective efforts to de-escalate tension, foster unity and build the needed trust among Rivers people.
Ibas (rtd) made the promise at a meeting with Traditional Rulers in Rivers State, at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Sole Administrator said it is regrettable to note the negative impact the intractable political crisis had on the maintenance of law and order in Rivers State.
He pointed to the fact that Rivers State is not only a democratic State but the heart of Niger Delta and a major contributor to the mainstay of the nation’s economy that must not continue to suffer such intractable instability.
The Vice Admiral said he is wholly committed to restoring sense of pride, honour and security of residents in the State, and traditional rulers, who are vital partners in that pursuit, must shun being partisan and encourage healthy dialogue that should foster peace in their various domains.
The Administrator stated that he will be open to useful suggestions and contributions that would be used to shape the policy and strategies that will be deployed to chart the course of achieving enduring peace in the State. He urged them to play role of peacemakers.
“Let us remind our people that the progress of Rivers State is a shared responsibility and that only unity and cooperation can overcome the challenges before us.
In his speech, the Eze, Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, described the appointment of the Vice Admiral as well made because he has now become the peacemaker that must sufficiently address the conflict that had lingered for a while.
Eze Worlu-Wodo assured that, as traditional rulers, they would work with him cooperatively while remaining true to their avowed responsibility of sustaining efforts that will engender t peace, stability and progress in their domains and entire Rivers State.
