Reconciliation Bringing Stability To Rivers- Ibas
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced that political stability is gradually returning to the state through inclusive dialogue and non-partisan consultations with key stakeholders.
This development follows a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Emergency Rule Implementation, led by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Administrator Ibas attributed the progress to reconciliation efforts and the willingness of political actors to collaborate.
He commended the improved cooperation between communities and security agencies, which has helped reduce cultism, kidnapping, and vandalism of infrastructure.
Ibas also announced plans to deploy a critical infrastructure surveillance system to boost security and enable early threat detection across the state. This move aims to further enhance the safety and security of residents and infrastructure.
“I am pleased that, God willing, we have put major differences behind us,” he stated, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s pivotal role in facilitating the peace process.
The Administrator highlighted ongoing reforms, including: Leadership training and salary structure adjustments for civil servants; A historic biometric verification exercise for staff and pensioners to ensure transparency; Clearance of long-standing arrears owed to health workers.
Also, Streamlined pension payments, now made directly to beneficiaries and Free health insurance for all state pensioners under the revitalized RIVCHIPP scheme, with mandatory enrollment for civil servants.
Ibas commended the improved cooperation between communities and security agencies, which has helped curb cultism, kidnapping, and infrastructure vandalism. The formation of a Farmers-Herders Committee has also prevented communal clashes.
He said plans are underway to deploy a critical infrastructure surveillance system to bolster security and enable early threat detection across the state.
However, he expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project, describing the contractor’s performance as “regrettable.” Despite receiving 77% mobilization (N150 billion) of the N195 billion contract sum, the project remains largely unexecuted.
Worse still, he noted that the contractor has requested an 87% variation, potentially inflating the total cost to N367 billion.
“A team of professionals has completed a comprehensive review, and it is clear Rivers State has received the short end of the stick,” Ibas declared. “Engagements with the contractor will begin in the coming days, and based on the outcome, we will determine the next steps.”
He issued a stern warning: “Our resources must be judiciously used. Contractors must honour lawful agreements and terms. There will be consequences.”
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Chairman of the House Committee, explained that their visit aimed to assess ongoing projects, understand governance challenges, and engage stakeholders.
“We will be here for the next two days to engage with relevant stakeholders. You, your administration, and those of us here share the same purpose—to ensure good governance, enduring peace, and value for every kobo spent in Rivers State.”
As the administration advances its reform agenda, all eyes remain on its ability to enforce contractor compliance, revive legacy projects, and deliver tangible benefits to the people of Rivers State.
Reconciliation Bringing Stability To Rivers- Ibas is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
