By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Rtd on Tuesday met with leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rivers State Chapter, appealing to them to play a pivotal role in fostering peace, reconciliation, and stability in the state amid ongoing political and security challenges.
Speaking during the engagement at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the Administrator emphasized the importance of the Church’s moral guidance in restoring harmony even as he extended Easter felicitations to the christian leaders describing the season as a reminder of hope, sacrifice, and unity.
He outlined his mandate, as the Administrator of the state to; restoring law and order; stabilizing the polity and paving the way for the return of democratic governance.
The Administrator urged CAN, which is led by the Most Reverend Dr D.E Kala-Dukubo, to leverage its influence to preach peace in congregations and communities, promote unity across ethnic, political and denominational divides,
He added that they should encouraged forgiveness and reconciliation among citizens, and serve as a beacon of hope amid fear and uncertainty.
“The unity of the Church is the seedbed for the unity of the State,” he stated adding “Where the Church leads in love, the people will follow in peace.”
He assured that his administration remains people-centered, accessible, and committed to justice and equity calling for collective action.
Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration, and understanding and urged the religious leaders to remain steadfast in prayer and bold in truth, drawing inspiration from the Easter message.
He expressed confidence that, with CAN’s support and divine guidance, Rivers State would emerge stronger and more united.
In their response, the leadership and executive members of the Rivers State chapter of CAN led by the Most Reverend Dr D.E Kala-Dukubo appealed to the Administrator to involve the group in the peace building process.
They urged the Administrator to ensure that critical aspects of governance are not ignored during the period of emergency rule, especially as it affects the environmental sanitation.
CAN also decried the volume of misinformation in the public space and urged the administration to tackle it headlong adding that the development portrayed the state as a place at war stressing that that it was a disincentive for visitors and potential investors.
According to a statement signed by Hector Igbikiowubo, Senior Special Adviser (SSA) – Media to the Administrator has it that engagement underscored the administration’s efforts to involve key stakeholders in restoring stability and fostering a peaceful transition in the state.
Since assuming office on March 20, 2025, he has engaged in broad consultations with civil society, traditional rulers, and local government officials to rebuild trust and foster cooperation.
Meanwhile, the people of Old Port-Harcourt Township in Port-Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a peaceful protest calling for the reinstatement of the suspended governor, Siminialaye Fubara to continue his good governance in the state.
The protester who were seen holding placards with different inscriptions, called for the end of emergency rule in the state.
Speaking during the protest, President General of Port-Harcourt Township United Pressure Group, Prince John Tamunokuro appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the proclamation of emergency rule in Rivers State
Tamunokuro claimed that the president was misinformed over the issues in the state which led to the proclamation of emergency rule.
He said: ” By the love of Jesus Christ demonstrated on the cross in this Easter season we appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his emergency proclamation upon Rivers State on March 18, 2025 wherein the governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara and the State Assembly was suspended for an initial period of six months in the wake of the political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike”.
“We appeal to him to rescind his decision and recall our governor that we all voted for him to continue the good works he has started all over the state.”
He held that Rivers State does not deserve a state of emergency declaration when compared to other states such as Plateau, Benue and others
Tamunokuro however endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Siminialaye Fubara come 2027 general elections.
