The South-South Elders Forum in Rivers State has expressed criticism over the recent tenure of sole administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas. According to the forum’s National Coordinator, Anabs Sara-Igbe, the intervention was unnecessary and detrimental to the state’s interests. Sara-Igbe made these comments during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He argued that the reasons behind Ibas’ appointment were flawed, as Rivers State was not experiencing a level of crisis that would warrant such a measure. Sara-Igbe stated that the state had been peaceful before and after Ibas’ tenure, suggesting that the administrator’s role was not justified. He proposed that if emergency rule were necessary, it would be more suitable in states like Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa, which have faced significant security challenges.
Sara-Igbe also accused the former administrator of exploiting the state’s resources without providing any significant benefits to its citizens. He claimed that Ibas, who is not from Rivers State, plundered the state’s wealth without contributing to its development.
In a separate development, Sara-Igbe confirmed that the feuding parties in the state had resolved their differences. He mentioned that the state’s governor, Sim Fubara, and former governor, Nyesom Wike, had met and buried their hatchet. This reconciliation is expected to bring progress to the state, as the assembly has also met with Fubara and resolved their differences.
The return of peace to the state is seen as a crucial step towards development. Sara-Igbe emphasized that sustained peace is essential for the state’s growth, as it will enable the government to focus on development projects. He urged Fubara to maintain the peace by reaching out to the assembly, Wike, and other stakeholders to ensure that the state remains stable.
The resolution of the conflict in Rivers State is significant, as it paves the way for development and progress. The state’s elders and leaders are committed to sustaining the peace, which is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy and citizens. With the conflict resolved, the state can now focus on addressing its developmental challenges and improving the lives of its people.
