(Middle): Vice Admiral Rtd Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Administrator of Rivers State; (Left): Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University; (Right): Justice Simeon Amadi, Chief Judge of Rivers State, during a Special Public Lecture held to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of Rivers State at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt.
By Maureen Dick
RIVERS State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), 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 this appeal during a special public lecture held to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Rivers State at the Government House Banquet Hall in Port Harcourt.
The lecture, themed “Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,” highlighted the state’s remarkable journey and the urgent need to overcome political divisions threatening its progress.
Vice Admiral Ibas reflected on Rivers 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 percent of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production.
He lamented that despite these achievements, political conflicts have strained institutions, eroded trust and undermined governance.
Ibas said: “This is not the Rivers State we dreamt of. It is not the legacy our forebears fought to build and it must not be the path we continue to walk.”
The sole administrator attributed the current political crisis to the failure of elites, faith leaders, and elders who either took sides or fueled tensions.
He emphasized that differences could be resolved through mature dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.
Vice Admiral Ibas praised President Bola Tinubu for intervening to prevent anarchy and appointing an administration tasked with restoring democratic institutions, justice and order— a mandate he (administrator ) vowed to fulfill.
According to him, beyond hydrocarbons, Rivers State boasts a thriving agricultural sector and growing investments in tourism and manufacturing.
However, Vice Admiral Ibas stressed that sustainable progress depends on collective efforts toward reconciliation.
“We must rebuild Rivers State on the pillars of peace, unity, and shared prosperity,” he urged, highlighting the need to secure a brighter future for Rivers children, whose aspirations depend on stability and access to quality education.
Guest lecturer, Prof. Godwin Okon, of Rivers State University traced the state’s evolution from a public-sector-driven economy to a dynamic public-private partnership model, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy.
In his welcome remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, celebrated the resilience of Rivers people and their unwavering commitment to a prosperous future.
He said as Rivers State marks 58 years, the administrator’s message was clear: “Only forgiveness, trust, and unity can unlock the state’s full potential.”
The SSG called on all stakeholders to join hands in building a peaceful, thriving Rivers State for generations to come.