By Ola Kay
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd) has warned troublemakers to desist from fomenting trouble as government would not hesitate to apply punitive measures against violators of civil order.
Admiral Ibat stated this in maiden broadcast to the people of Rivers State on Thursday evening as he read out the riot act to detractors.
He emphasized that respect for civil liberty and the rule of law would be guaranteed, while his administration would not allow those who may be out to destroy property and cause insecurity in the state.
He warned that, “No room for lawlessness. No space for violence. We will enforce the law when necessary, but civil order will lead.”
The newly appointed administrator said that his mandate include restoration of normalcy and protection lives and property and that of protection oil facilities in the oil-rich state.
Also, he said that, “The president’s decision is to ensure security and restore peace for the economy and address any threat to life and property.
“My mandate is to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and restore democratic institutions and representation.”
Admiral Ibok stated that as part of his achievements, he had dedicated his life to the service of the nation in his capacity as the 20th Chief of Naval Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana.
He revealed that national assignment had brought him out from retirement , as he assured of doing his best to carry out his mandate.
He said: “Duty has called and I have answered. I have abiding commitment to Nigeria and Rivers State,” he said
But the Sole Administrator noted that Rivers State has had its fair share political crisis in the past two years which he reasoned almost bought the state to it’s knees and badly affected democratic institutions, as well as undermined the economic and social life of the state, even as he emphasized that, “It has deepened divisions among the people and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future. These are issues we cannot afford to ignore.”
Admiral Ibok said as a son of the Niger Delta, he feels the weight of expectations of the people, who are uncertain of what the future holds. He described the task before him as daunting, calling on majority support to actualize his mandate.
While calling for the cooperation of the people, the administrator stressed that, “I did not come as a partisan actor or competitor in this moment. I come as a servant of the state entrusted with the mandate to restore peace and order so Rivers State can move forward again as the oil and gas capital.
“I am here to ensure that lives are not held hostage by instability. Governance is not a solitary endeavour. It requires the collective support of the people.
“I therefore, extend my hand to all. I urge the people to remain law-abiding. Let us set aside our differences. It is time for unity, not division. Dialogue will be the watchword.”
He cautioned against vandalism of public infrastructure, saying it is far from means of expressing grievances, because for long it had only retarded the progress of the region.
He urged stakeholders in the state, including politicians, traditional rulers, elders and youths to work together for sustainable peace and stability of the state.
He informed that had mandated security commanders in the state during his first meeting with them to remain neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities, calling on residents to remain peaceful as they await the framework for piloting the affairs of the state within the stipulated period of six months.
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