The Sole Administrator of Rivers state, Vice Admiral lbok Ette lbas (retd.), has urged for peace, security, and stability in the state, declared that violence would be prohibited.
Admiral lbas who made the call in his maiden statewide broadcast on Friday night pointed out that the success of his assignment would depend largely on the collective efforts of every sector of the state.
He said he had already given directives on the specific actions to be taken after his inaugural state Security Council meeting, while tasking head of security agencies in the state to remain neutral and respect the right of citizens.
“My appointment comes at a difficult time and consequential moment in history. The political impasses of nearly two years in Rivers state has paralysed governance, desecrated domestic institutions, threatened security and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, l am one of you, and l recognise the weight of this moment The expectations of the people, and challenges that are ahead,” he said.
He, however, warned that any form of violence or sabotage would not be tolerated.
“I do not come as a partisan actor, but not as a competitor in a struggle that have brought us to this moment. I come as a servant of the state, entrusted with solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers state can move forward once and reclaim its rightful place as a oil and gas capital of Nigeria and I dare say Africa.
“Destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something we in the Niger Delta have since put behind us. Though collective engagement our people have become more aware of the collateral damage that comes with it.
“We must resist temptation not to return to the ugly days. Dialogue and honesty engagement have proven time and time again, as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflict of any kind,” the administrator said.