Olayiwola Matthew
Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, has appealed to residents to put aside bitterness, rivalry, and self-interest for peace and sustainable development in the state.
Ibas spoke on Sunday during an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt, the capital city, to mark the state’s transition back to democratic governance after the local council elections.
The sole administrator, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March to preside over the state for six months following the declaration of emergency rule, said Rivers state was “torn by divisions, instability and broken trust” before that intervention.
Ibas said his administration had “deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace” over the last six months, which must now be nurtured by the people of Rivers.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together; the survival and relative stability we enjoy today are testimony to God’s faithfulness,” he said.
“Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen.
“The progress and prosperity of Rivers state must be placed above personal or partisan interest; politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.
“The youth should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence but should instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state.
“I urge community leaders, elders and religious figures to continue providing guidance, wisdom and prayers for the continued stability of Rivers state.”