Rivers elites get drubbing from Sole Administrator over endless crisis

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State may have let out what has been bottled up in his heart. It seems that most leaders in Nigeria are unhappy over the deconstruction of Rivers State since 2012 through endless political wrangling.

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The political leaders of Rivers State have been given thorough tongue-lashing like never before by retired vice admiral Ibok-ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator.

The tongue-lashing was used to mark the 58 years anniversary of the creation of the state on May 27, 1967, same day Ibas’ own state, Cross River, was created, all out of the East Central State. The creation was regarded as liberation of the Calabar zone and Port Harcourt zone of the area now known as south-south who were part of Eastern region that fought a bitter civil war with the centre.

The tongue-lashing however seemed to contain hints the suspended institutions may work out to understand what must be done for the state of emergency to be lifted.

At a lecture to find out where the state that was competing with Lagos zone slumped, the retired vice admiral reflected on Rivers State’s historic struggle for identity and self-determination since its creation, noting its emergence as Nigeria’s second-largest economy with a $28.4 billion gross domestic product (GDP) and over 40% of Nigeria’s onshore crude oil production.

Despite these achievements, he lamented that political conflicts have strained institutions, eroded trust, and undermined governance. The state was doing well on unity until 2012 when the then minister of state for education from Rivers State swept the party leadership off the feet of the then sitting governor. The struggle led to protracted crisis and violence that lasted for long, only to be renewed by fresh crisis between Gov Sim Fubara (now suspended) and Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister. This crisis led to state of emergency and enthronement of a sole administrator.

Now, the Cross River-born administrator told the people: “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.”

One of his mandates was to restore harmony in the state. He however attributed the current political crisis to the failure of elites, faith leaders, and elders who he said either took sides or fueled tensions. He emphasized that differences can be resolved through mature dialogue and a shared commitment to peace.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for intervening to prevent anarchy and appointing an administration tasked with restoring democratic institutions, justice, and order—a mandate he vowed to fulfill.

Many said Rivers State is the hydrocarbon headquarter of Nigeria, but beyond hydrocarbons, Rivers State is said to boast a thriving agricultural sector and growing investments in tourism and manufacturing.

The retired vice admiral, however, stressed that sustainable progress depends on collective efforts toward reconciliation. He said: “We must rebuild Rivers State on the pillars of peace, unity, and shared prosperity.”

He highlighted the need to secure a brighter future for Rivers children, whose aspirations depend on stability and access to quality education.

He demanded that the political class must embrace reconciliation and forgiveness and called on all Rivers people to build trust and foster enduring peace and development in the state.

The event was held in the Government House with the theme: ‘Rivers State, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: Search for Sustainable Peace and Opportunities for Development,’ highlighting the state’s remarkable journey and the urgent need to overcome political divisions threatening its progress.

Godwin Okon, a professor of mass communication and guest lecturer from the 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, Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika, a law professor who is now Secretary to the Rivers State Government, celebrated the resilience of Rivers people and their unwavering commitment to a prosperous future.