As governance, peace, law, and order gradually return to Rivers State, businesses and commercial activities are stabilising to drive economic growth in the region.
Only a few days ago, the National Assembly constituted a 20-member ad hoc committee to oversee and critically evaluate the emergency rule’s performance and successes in the state.
The committee’s primary objective is to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper governance during the state’s six-month emergency rule.
The suspension of democratic rule by President Bola Tinubu, as approved by the National Assembly, was to address the political impasse of nearly two years in Rivers State, which has affected governance, desecrated democratic institutions, threatened security and undermined the economic and social fabric of the state.
The crisis has deepened divisions among the people and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future. These are realities Nigeria cannot afford to ignore.
In that time, there was an uneasy calm that pervaded the state, affecting businesses and investments, creating panic and uncertainty in what the future holds for residents.
However, Mr President’s decisive action to declare a state of emergency and the subsequent appointment of a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (rtd) was to ensure stability and secure the lives of residents, restore peace, and for economic activities continue to thrive.
On assumption of office, the administrator solicited the support of all stakeholders, such as elders, political leaders, traditional rulers, faith leaders, youths, women, the media and civil society, to enable him to actualise his mission.
Ibas had declared that he did not come as a partisan actor nor as a competitor in the struggles for political rankings. He was, however, appointed as a servant of the state, entrusted with the solemn duty of restoring peace and order so that Rivers State can move beyond political crisis once again and reclaim its rightful place as the oil and gas capital of Nigeria.
The proclamation of emergency rule by Mr President was proactive and considered to be a decisive action that should be taken to tackle desperate political situations of that nature. Accordingly, when there is a breakdown of law and order to the extent that state resources, like oil facilities, are targeted for attacks, therefore, the government has to place tougher sanctions to handle the crisis.
To address the fear in the minds of residents, the sole administrator engaged various political groups with a view to uniting supporters to put aside all forms of grievances and rivalry and be a part of the future of a new Rivers State.
The objective of a state of emergency is to allow the two opposing factions to come to terms with the consequences of rising political crises that are capable of destroying governance structures.
One such action is the peace talk brokered and initiated by the suspended Governor Fubara, where he had asked for forgiveness from his political godfather, the Minister of FCT, Nyesome Wike.
Fubara had also stated that political supporters who embark on unauthorised protests and demonstrations in solidarity with him should henceforth desist from doing so.
On the part of Wike, he had declared that he was open to peace talks but demanded that the suspended Governor Fubara must consult with political stakeholders in Rivers State to have a comprehensive reconciliatory peace talk.
This development points to the fact that the emergency rule has impacted the political thinking of gladiators who were initially not open to any form of peace talk.
The sole administrator had warned against the destruction of national infrastructure under the guise of agitations, saying such ugly actions were no longer part of the region.
However, the challenges before the state could only be addressed when there is unity, cooperation and forward-thinking, especially for political stakeholders and elders of various political alliances in the state.
It has become very clear that the people now understand that the destruction of national infrastructure in the name of agitation is something the Niger Delta region has since put behind. Therefore, collective engagement and creating awareness to shun violence and see it as a tool for destruction and economic ruin become very necessary.
Not only does political violence deprive the government of harnessing enough resources to provide necessary critical infrastructure and services, but limits the overall growth of sector reforms.
Therefore, youths in the region must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days of militancy, but rather, embrace dialogue and honest engagement, which has proven time and time again, as a veritable tool for resolving differences and conflicts of any kind.
Over time, the sole administrator has restored civil liberties and vowed that fundamental human rights would be respected and protected. But it must be understood that those who seek to sabotage the socio-economic stability of Rivers State, national infrastructure and institutions within the state shall not be allowed to thrive.
The sole administrator had said there was no room for lawlessness. No space for violence and no patience for actions that threaten our collective well-being. “Certainly, the government will not act arbitrarily, but neither will it hesitate to enforce the law when necessary. Let no one be in doubt that it would uphold justice and fairness to ensure that civil order prevails,” Ibas declared.
According to him, security council meetings are held, and briefs are taken from heads of security agencies in the state. He noted that he read the various reports, initiatives and concerns and gave clear directives on specific actions.
“I have specifically charged them to remain neutral, respect the rights of citizens and do all within their powers to maintain law and order while collectively working together to de-escalate tensions when they come in contact with enemies of the state.
“We are compelled to move with deliberate speed to articulate a pragmatic road map to ensure that every government bureaucracy is properly functioning. Agencies providing services to citizens and residents are doing so and engaging stakeholders as mandated by Mr President.
“I ask for your understanding and cooperation. Above all, I ask for your faith in the possibility of a better future, one built on peace, stability and shared progress,” he said.
Ibas has continued to commend the President for the confidence reposed in him and for entrusting him with such a delicate national assignment.
He also commended the leadership and members of the 10th National Assembly, which graciously approved Mr President’s state of emergency proclamation for Rivers.
“I will draw on my training, knowledge, experience and dedication to ensure that the essence of this historic decision is achieved. I will have to work closely with the National Assembly, under the guidance of Mr President, consequently, I hope to continue to count on their support and cooperation throughout this assignment.”