Wike, Fubara Absent at Ibas’ Farewell Thanksgiving Service

Prominent figures embroiled in the political turmoil of Rivers State, such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were notably absent on Sunday from the farewell thanksgiving service for the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired).

During the interdenominational service held in Port Harcourt, part of the transitional events, Ibas implored political stakeholders to prioritize the state’s welfare over personal or partisan interests.

“The seeds of reconciliation have been sown, yet they require your intentional care to flourish. Rivers State cannot endure another phase of discord and conflict. Politics should never serve as a pretext to undermine the very state we are pledged to serve,” he stated.

Though many traditional rulers were absent, the gathering was attended by permanent secretaries, local government chairpersons, heads of boards, agencies, parastatals, and security commanders from across the state.

Ibas reminisced that President Bola Tinubu appointed him administrator on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers due to escalating political tensions and militant assaults on oil infrastructure. Tinubu had suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for a six-month duration, set to conclude on September 18.

Reflecting on his tenure, Ibas remarked, “By God’s grace and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we navigated those challenging times together. Today, we express gratitude for peace, stability, and the successful execution of local government elections throughout the state.”

He urged the youth to renounce violence and devote their energies to fostering peace and prosperity, emphasizing that the state’s future hinges on unity. He also called upon elders and religious leaders to persist in their guidance and prayers for reconciliation.

“Let us forgive, let us reconcile, and let us heal. For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity,” Ibas declared.