PRESS RELEASE

BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE

My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwave

In a decisive move to restore order and ensure free movement within the capital city, the Imo State Government has commenced the clearing of street traders obstructing roads and waterways in Owerri.

The operation, which began on Tuesday, spearheaded by the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Compliance, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri, in conjunction with the Imo State Environmental Transformation Commission (IMO ENTRACO).

The enforcement team covered key areas such as Amakohia Market, Akwakuma Junction, Orji Junction, IMSU Junction, Douglas Road to Emmanuel College Roundabout, Egbu Road by Fire Service, and Mbaise Road Junction, etc.

The exercise is set to continue in other locations, including Hospital Junction by Port Harcourt Road and other affected spots.

The government has issued a stern warning to traders against occupying unauthorized spaces for their businesses, emphasizing that defaulters will face strict penalties.

Similarly, residents and traders were cautioned against indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the habit of dumping refuse in drainages.

The government stressed that offenders will not go unpunished as enforcement measures have already taken effect.

The clearing operation underscores the state’s commitment to environmental sanitation, urban orderliness, and the free flow of traffic in Owerri.

Retired Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Rivers State military administrator in the wake of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, was born on September 27, 1960.

Mr Ibas, a native of Nko in Cross River, was Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021. He served in the Nigerian Navy from 1979-2021, when he retired.

He started primary education at Nko Primary School in 1966 and concluded at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar 1971. Between 1972 and 1976, he attended Hope Waddell Training Institute Calabar.

In 1977, he attended the School of Basic Studies, Ogoja. He proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979, serving in different capacities and rising through the ranks to be the Chief of Naval Staff.

During his service, he attended several local and international military courses, including Amphibious Warfare School of the U.S. Marine Corps University in Virginia in 1992 and National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan. He bagged a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Mr Ibas,64, bagged several awards in service, including the ECOMOG Medal and Forces Service Star. He was conferred with Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Ibas takes over leadership of River State following Mr Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the oil-rich state amid lingering hostilities between Sim Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, an ally of the president.