The Digest:
Ibok-Ete Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has defended the imposition of emergency rule in the state, calling it a "necessity forced upon us by insecurity and political impasse." Speaking at a public lecture on democracy and governance, Ibas acknowledged the hardship but emphasized that the measure restored stability and laid the groundwork for rebuilding democratic institutions.
Key Points
- Ibas stated emergency rule was unavoidable due to insecurity, political deadlock, and a breakdown of public trust.
- He argued the intervention restored peace and security, enabling grassroots democracy through recent LG elections.
- The Sole Administrator praised the resilience of Rivers people during the six-month emergency period.
- An emergency rule was imposed by President Tinubu on March 18 after suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly.
- The transition to restored civil rule is scheduled for September 18.
- Ibas emphasized that without security, no other societal aspirations are achievable.
- The lecture aimed to contextualize the state’s journey toward democratic renewal.
Ibas’s defense of emergency rule underscores the fragile balance between authority and liberty in crisis, a temporary sacrifice for stability, now yielding to the promise of democratic revival.
Sources: TheCable, Presidential Statements
