• Meets monarchs, council chiefs
• Pleads for deescalation of tension
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
There was uneasy calm in Rivers State yesterday as residents went about their normal business even as the security situation remained tense in some strategic parts of the state. Heavily armed police men were deployed to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.
The Administrator appointed by President Tinubu on Wednesday, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), met with traditional rulers in the state and solicited their cooperation to de-escalate tension.
Vice Admiral Ibas also disclosed that steps have been taken to pay salaries of workers in the local government areas following the release of the suspended federal allocations.
He promised to harness their wisdom and influence in de-escalating tension, while fostering unity and building trust among Rivers people.
The meeting held at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday with traditional rulers, brings to three separate groups that the Sole Administrator had so far met with since assuming duties on Thursday.
Vice Admiral Ibas said, it became necessary to meet with them because they are mediators of conflict and can attest to the regrettable negative impact that the intractable political crisis had on the maintenance of law and order in the state. He solicited their support in restoring law and order while also restoring stability to Rivers State that is the heart of Niger Delta and a major contributor to the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
Vice Admiral Ibas warned against any act of lawlessness in any part of the state and emphasised that they must all work together with his administration to promote dialogue, understanding and reconciliation in the various communities.
Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, described the appointment of the Vice Admiral Ibas as well made because he has now become the peacemaker that must sufficiently address the conflict that had lingered for a while.
Similarly, Heads of Local Government Administration from the 23 Local Government Areas of the state also paid Vice Admiral Ibas a courtesy visit at the Government House.
Addressing the local government officials, the sole administrator said the meeting marked a pivotal moment in the journey to restoring the peaceful environment in the state. He said: “I stand before you here not just as an administrator, but as a fellow servant of the people of Rivers State dedicated to ensuring that Rivers State rises to its full potential as the beacon of prosperity in Nigeria. “The Niger Delta region is blessed with abundant natural resources. We all noticed, yet, our people have not reaped the benefit of all these blessings. This is unacceptable.
“As leaders, we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive inclusive and transformative leadership. This is the mandate I have accepted and it is the standard I expect from all of you.”
The sole administrator acknowledged the release of federal allocations and directed that steps should be taken to ensure the payment of workers’ salaries at the local government level.
Speaking on behalf of the Heads of Local Government Administration from the 23 Local Government Areas, Mr. Cail Walsom commended President Bola Tinubu, for believing in the Vice Admiral Ibas’ experience to take up the mantle of leadership in Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Ogoni Young Patriots have commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for their swift response to the political impasse in Rivers State.
Aeba Godspower, Leader of the Ogoni Young Patriots, stated that the emergency measures taken by President Tinubu were necessary to prevent further violence and bloodshed.
The group also welcomed the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Abas as Administrator of Rivers State, expressing confidence in his ability to restore the state to its former glory.
Meanwhile, the state remained calm on Friday with no reported case of violence since the announcement of the emergency rule and swearing in of the administrator.
Notwithstanding, the State Police Command has deployed more personnel to strategic places in Port Harcourt and other places.
In the last 24 hours, helicopters suspected to belong to the military, have been seen hovering in the air apparently in surveillance of oil installations