Ibas urges CAN to help restore peace in Rivers

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), has appealed to the Christian Association of Nigeria to play a pivotal role in fostering peace, reconciliation, and stability in the state amid ongoing political and security challenges.

Speaking during an engagement with leaders of the Rivers State chapter of CAN at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Ibas emphasised the importance of the Church’s moral guidance in restoring harmony.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.

Ibas extended Easter felicitations to the Christian body and described the season as a reminder of hope, sacrifice, and unity.

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He acknowledged the recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, which led to his appointment as Administrator. He reiterated that his mandate includes restoring law and order, stabilising the polity, and paving the way for the return of democratic governance.

Ibas explained that 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.

He therefore called on the leadership of CAN in the state to leverage its influence by preaching peace in congregations and communities and promoting unity across ethnic, political, and denominational divides.

He further urged them to encourage forgiveness and reconciliation among citizens and serve as a beacon of hope amid fear and uncertainty, saying,
“The unity of the Church is the seedbed for the unity of the state. Where the Church leads in love, the people will follow in peace.”

The Administrator assured that his administration remains people-centred, accessible, and committed to justice and equity. He called for collective action, emphasising that sustainable peace requires dialogue, collaboration, and understanding.

Ibas also urged religious leaders to remain steadfast in prayer and bold in truth. Referring to his Easter message, he expressed confidence that, with CAN’s support and divine guidance, Rivers State would emerge stronger and more united.

“The engagement underscores the administration’s efforts to involve key stakeholders in restoring stability and fostering a peaceful transition in the state,” he stated.

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.

Kala-Dukubo urged the Administrator to ensure that critical aspects of governance are not ignored during the period of emergency rule, especially concerning environmental sanitation.

He decried the volume of misinformation in the public space and urged the administration to tackle it head-on, saying the development portrayed the state as a place at war, adding that this serves as a disincentive for visitors and potential investors.