The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, on Thursday hosted a delegation of Rivers State Caucus members at the National Assembly and stressed the importance of their partnership in realizing the state’s ambitious development agenda.
The meeting, held at Government House in Port Harcourt, saw the Administrator outlining his administration’s priorities, focusing on restoring peace, fostering economic growth, and delivering vital public services.
He said, “We have made notable progress in restoring peace and stability to our great state,” Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas stated, acknowledging the difficult circumstances brought about by the recent declaration of a State of Emergency.
“This was a necessary measure to address the insecurity that threatened our communities. We worked tirelessly with security agencies to restore order and create an environment where our citizens can live in safety and pursue their livelihoods without fear.”
The Administrator highlighted the importance of community engagement and dialogue as key elements in their peace-building efforts. “We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected,” he emphasized.
Looking towards the future, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas revealed that his administration was actively developing a new budget for 2025. “This budget will focus on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and technology,” he explained. “We are committed to ensuring that this budget is implemented without delay.”
He spoke of the need for the National Assembly’s support to secure the necessary resources and legislative backing for the ambitious budget. “Your partnership is critical to our success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations.”
The delegation, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi, representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, was composed of prominent members of the National Assembly, including Senator Allwell Onyesoh, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Hon Dumnamene Dekor, and Hon Solomon Bob, among others.
The meeting served as a platform for open dialogue and collaboration between the Rivers State government and its representatives in the National Assembly, paving the way for a strong partnership in shaping the state’s future.
