The sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged the political gladiators in the state against returning to rivalry and pursuing self-interest at the expense of the well-being of the people.
Ibas spoke on Sunday during an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre in Port Harcourt, the state city, to mark the end of military intervention in the state’s political scuffle and a return to democratic governance.
The sole administrator, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in March to preside over the state for six months following the declaration of emergency rule, said Rivers state was “torn by divisions, instability and broken trust” before that intervention.
He said his administration had “deliberately sowed seeds of love and peace” over the last six months, which must now be nurtured by the people of Rivers.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together; the survival and relative stability we enjoy today are testimony to God’s faithfulness,” he said.
“Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen.
“The progress and prosperity of Rivers state must be placed above personal or partisan interest; politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.
“The youth should not allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence but should instead channel their energies into building a peaceful and prosperous state.
“I urge community leaders, elders and religious figures to continue providing guidance, wisdom and prayers for the continued stability of Rivers state.”
