Wike and Fubara absent at Vice Admiral Ibas’ farewell thanksgiving in Rivers State, as outgoing administrator urges unity and reconciliation.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, were conspicuously absent on Sunday at the farewell thanksgiving service held for the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).
The interdenominational service, held in Port Harcourt, marked a key event in the transition process following Ibas’ tenure. Addressing the congregation, Ibas urged political leaders and stakeholders to prioritize Rivers State’s collective interest above personal or partisan ambitions.
“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted, but they need your deliberate nurture to take root. Rivers State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve,” Ibas stated.
Despite drawing a wide array of attendees—including permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, security commanders, and heads of boards and agencies—the event also witnessed the absence of many traditional rulers.
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Ibas, who assumed office in March after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended the governor, reflected on his tenure with gratitude. He credited the support of President Tinubu and the cooperation of key stakeholders for the relative peace and stability achieved during his administration.
“Let us forgive, reconcile, and heal. For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity,” he emphasized.
The farewell service highlighted the importance of unity and reconciliation as Rivers State prepares for the next phase of governance.