By Maureen Dick
THE Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd), has met with traditional rulers in the state and solicited their cooperation to de-escalate tension in Rivers.
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.
Meeting with the 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.