By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The Outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has warned that the state cannot afford another season of acrimony and discord.
Ibas made the appeal as he began his disengagement activities with a ‘Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
He advised the seemingly restive and fractious political actors to sheathe the sword and think more about the interest of the state than theirs.
He said he had sufficiently fulfilled the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu, following the restoration of democratic governance at the local government level.
The service, had in attendance Simeon C. Amadi, the state’s Chief Judge, Paul Worika, secretary to state government, traditional rulers, state functionaries, Security chiefs, and others.
Ibas said the state was at crossroads six months ago when President Bola Tinubu declared a State of Emergency and subsequently appointed him (Ibas) as sole administrator.
According to him, the state cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. Rivers people must rise above bitterness and self-interest to pursue the greater good of our state.
“I make a special appeal to our political actors: Sheathe your swords. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve.
“The progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal and or partisan interest, above personal or partisan interest.
“We must forgive one another, reconcile with sincerity, and embrace tolerance. Let us remember that no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of our brothers and sisters,” he said.
Ibas linked peace and security to development, adding that the last few months, seeds of reconciliation have been planted in the state.
“What is now required is the watering of the seeds. 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.
“As our efforts at peace and reconciliation take hold, I urge all stakeholders, leaders, elders, political actors, the citizens alike to put your lives on the line. Rivers State first.
“Let us guide the peace we have, nurture it with love, and grow it with stability and prosperity for generations yet unborn.
“On this Thanksgiving Day, I thank God Almighty for His mercy. I thank Mr. President for his leadership and unwavering support.
“I thank every Rivers man and woman for their patience, support, and understanding through the last six months.
“My beloved people of Rivers State, as we look forward to the future, let us rededicate ourselves and our land to God Almighty.
“May Rivers State remain a shining light of hope, stability, and progress in Nigeria,” he said.
Ogan Barasin, pastor and chaplain of the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt, preaching a sermon titled ‘Grateful Hearts’, said the call for reconciliation and peace is one that requires the efforts of every Rivers citizen.
He preached love, forgiveness and coming together of Rivers people, irrespective of political or religious divides, towards restoring the state to its pride of place.
