The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has appealed to political actors and other stakeholders in the state to embrace peace, unity and reconciliation, stressing that the progress of the state must be placed above personal and partisan interest.
“Our collective sacrifices and commitment to peace are what we must all strive to guide at this time. This Ecumenical Centre is in itself a symbol of unity; different denominations under one roof. Rivers people must rise above bitterness, rivalries, and self-interest to pursue the greater good of our state.
“The progress and prosperity of Rivers must be placed above personal and partisan interest. I make a special appeal to our political actors; sheathe your swords. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state you are called to serve. The progress and prosperity of Rivers must be placed against personal or partisan interest.
“Rivers state cannot afford another session of division and acrimony. We must forgive one another and reconcile with sincerity and embrace tolerance. Let us remember that no political victory or personal gains are worth the blood of our brothers and sisters. Let us forgive; let us reconcile, and let us heal. For where there is progress and where there is love, there is prosperity”.
Mr Ibas who spoke extensively during the Interdenominational Thanksgiving service on Sunday, ahead of the return to democratic governance in the state on September 18, commended President Bola Tinubu’s bold step in ensuring that Rivers returns to the part of peace and progress, affirming that the mandate given to him by the president had been met.
“Six months ago, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. At that moment, our beloved state stood at a crossroad, torn by divisions, instability, and broken trust.
“By God’s grace and with the support of Mr President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together. Today, as a people, we return thanks to God for preserving our lives, granting us peace, and allowing the successful conduct of the local government elections across the state and thus laying the foundation for the return of democratic governance in Rivers”.
Ibas, who was accompanied by his wife, Theresa, declared that the seeds of reconciliation had been planted, he asked the stakeholders to make the necessary sacrifices required to nurture the seeds.
“Truly, it was God who kept Rivers State. This service is a solemn testimony of God’s faithfulness to Rivers. We have survived storms, political, social, and economic, and through it all, God has been faithful. The seeds of reconciliation have been planted. These seeds need your deliberate nurture.”
Ibas called on the youths to avoid making themselves available as tools for violence but to channel their energy into building, creating, and sustaining the peace.
He said, “To our youths, do not allow yourselves to be used as tools for violence. Channel your energy into building, creating, and sustaining peace. As our efforts on peace and reconciliation take hold, I urge all the stakeholders, leaders, elders, and political actors to put Rivers first.
“Let us guide the peace we have, nurture it with love, and grow it with stability and prosperity for generations yet unborn. Our elders must continue to guide with wisdom; our faith leaders must sustain prayers for peace; our young people must commit to learning and creating so that Rivers will continue to shine as the treasure base of the nation. As we look forward to the future, let us rededicate ourselves and our lives to God”.
