RIVERS @ 58: Administrator Preaches Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Trust


PORT HARCOURT – As Rivers State marks its 58th anniversary, the Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), has called on the people—particularly political leaders—to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust as pathways to lasting peace and sustainable development.


The Administrator made this appeal during a Special Public Lecture held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, to commemorate the creation of Rivers State on May 27, 1967.


The lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” comes amid political tensions and a state of emergency in the oil-rich state.


Describing the state as “The Treasure Base of the Nation,” Vice Admiral Ibas reflected on Rivers’ remarkable journey from its historic struggle for identity and self-determination to becoming Nigeria’s second-largest economy, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $28.4 billion and contributing over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production.


Despite these achievements, the retired naval chief lamented that political conflicts have weakened institutions, eroded public trust, and hampered governance.


He attributed the ongoing political crisis to the failure of the elite, faith leaders, and elders who, according to him, either took sides or helped escalate tensions rather than mediate.


“The road to peace begins with a willingness to forgive, to reconcile, and to build trust,” Ibas stated, stressing that only mature dialogue and a shared commitment to unity can resolve the lingering political impasse.


He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention in the crisis, which he said helped avert a descent into anarchy.


While acknowledging the complex challenges facing the state, the Administrator insisted that collective efforts anchored on peace and reconciliation remain the bedrock of any meaningful progress.


“As we celebrate 58 years of our existence, it is imperative that we put aside personal interests and political differences and work together for the common good of Rivers people,” he said.


Vice Admiral Ibas urged all stakeholders to join hands in rebuilding trust, fostering unity, and shaping a peaceful and prosperous future for the state.


“Only through forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust can we unlock the full potential of Rivers State,” he concluded.

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