Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has pledged to restore peace and stability in Port Harcourt, the state’s capital and a key hub for Nigeria’s oil industry. Speaking with journalists on Thursday, March 20, Ibas emphasized his commitment to addressing ongoing tensions and ensuring that the city regains its position as a center of economic and political activity.
“Port Harcourt is my city. Everything seems calm, but I am aware of the underlying challenges. Our goal is to bring the city back to its former state of stability,” he stated.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Ibas on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision was prompted by escalating political and security concerns, including a recent explosion along the Trans-Niger pipeline, which further intensified fears of instability in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Rivers State plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy due to its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean and its vast oil reserves. However, it has long struggled with challenges such as political conflicts, electoral violence, and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.
In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Ibas reaffirmed his proactive approach to governance. His military background and experience as the Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 are considered vital assets in tackling the crisis and ensuring security in the region.
Organizations like the Fund for Peace and the U.S. Institute of Peace have previously identified Port Harcourt as vulnerable to political and communal unrest. With these risks in mind, Ibas’s leadership will be closely monitored by both local and international stakeholders.
Watch the video statement here.
