The Sole Administrator of Rivers State Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) says he would give priority to peace, security, and stability in the state.
He made the declaration shortly after President Bola Tinubu swore him at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff during Buhari’s administration, said there was the need to restore law and order which he said were the the foundations for any meaningful governance and development in the state.
“First of all, I think we know the circumstances that led to where we are here,” he said, denoting the events that led to his appointment.
Ibas said the primary mandate of his administration was to work with all stakeholders to ensure stability.
“Mr President made it very clear in his broadcast. If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task,” he stated.
He said he would work with relevant authorities and the people of Rivers State to restore peace and ensure effective governance.
The AGF, Fagbemi; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga and others witnessed the short ceremony at the State House, Abuja.
Born on September 27, 1960, Ibas was commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1983 and held various command positions until President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the Chief of Naval Staff in August 2015.
He was retired when Buhari replaced his service chiefs in 2021.
After retirement from service, Buhari appointed him the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, where he served between 2021 and 2023.
