Emergency rule was painful but necessary, says Ibas in farewell lecture

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has shared important lessons learned from the six-month emergency rule in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday at a public lecture organised by the state government as part of the transition back to democracy, Ibas said the most important lesson was that “peace is priceless.”

The former Chief of Naval Staff, who was the special guest at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, explained that the emergency rule showed clearly that “without security, no other aspiration is possible.”

He noted that while the emergency rule was not a choice but a necessity, it exposed how weakened governance allowed opportunism to thrive, threatening lives and livelihoods.
Ibas praised the people of Rivers for their resilience, saying:

“The indomitable spirit of Rivers people cannot be broken. They endured, they persevered, and they have remained steadfast.”
Looking ahead, he added:

“The stability we restored is the foundation upon which democracy is now rebuilt. Emergency rule, though imposed by insecurity, political impasse, and a breakdown of trust, has left us enduring lessons.”

He also recalled a thanksgiving service held on Sunday, saying it was a reminder that without God and the resilience of the people, his administration’s efforts would not have been possible.

Describing the lecture as more than an academic exercise, he called it a “covenant renewal with the people of Rivers.”

“When we began this assignment on March 18, 2025, our core mandate was to restore peace and stability. By the grace of God and with the cooperation of all stakeholders, we have come this far,” Ibas said.

“Most significant was the peaceful conduct of the local government elections that brought democracy back to the grassroots—the level of government closest to the people.”

He expressed gratitude to the people for their support and urged them to put Rivers above personal ambition, embrace tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, and work together to build trust.

“Rivers State has been stabilised under extraordinary circumstances, but much remains to be done.

The foundations have been laid. Let us build on it. Let us prove to the world that Rivers, the Treasure Base of the Nation, can also be a model of good governance in Nigeria,” he said.

The lecture titled Good Governance and Democratic Dividends was delivered by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-kannike, SAN, who stressed the importance of environmental activism, community development, youth and women empowerment, and smart agriculture.

He warned that insecurity, especially among youths, was a major setback for Rivers and called for education, skills development, and inclusive political processes.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Worika, said the lecture came at a defining moment as the state transitioned back to democracy.