Rivers State Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas has called on all Rivers people, particularly political leaders to embrace forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust to foster enduring peace and development in the state.
The Administrator made the plea at a Special Public Lecture to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of the state at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Retired Vice Admiral Abas reflected
on the state’s historic struggle for identity and self-determination since its creation in 1967, noting its emergence as Nigeria’s
second-largest economy with a $28.4 billion GDP and over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production.
He said it was unfortunate that despite these achievements, political conflicts have strained institutions, eroded trust, and undermined governance.
Vice Admiral Ibas attributed the current political crisis in the state to the failure of elites, faith leaders, and elders who either took sides or fueled tensions.
He said the differences can be resolved through mature dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.
The administrator also praised
President Bola Tinubu for intervening in the crisis to prevent anarchy.
He stressed that sustainable progress be depends on collective efforts toward reconciliation.
Created on the 27th of May, 1967, Rivers State, ‘The Treasure Base of the Nation’, is exactly 58 years old today.
This year’s celebration, which is being marked with a lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” is coming at a time when the state is under a state of emergency.
(Editor:Oloyede Oworu)
