With Ibas, Rivers May Experience A Bash

By OFONIME UMANAH

There could not have been a better administrator with the panache and demeanour to connect the dots and restore peace in Rivers State under the present circumstance, than retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ekwe Ibas.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice of the calm and peaceful Ibas, a son of Nko, Yakurr Local Government of Cross River State, may just be the tonic for the rebirth of the oil-rich state, where peace has been on vacation in the recent past. Truly so.

 Ibas,  appointed sole administrator of Rivers State on Tuesday night by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the wake of the lingering crisis in the state, is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of effective administration and management of human and material resources.

His extensive experience in the Nigerian Navy, where he rose to the rank of Vice Admiral and served as Chief of Naval Staff, has equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary to excel in this new role.

Born and raised in a family that values discipline, hard work and integrity, Ibas’ parental upbringing and training instilled in him the strong moral compass that has guided his personal and professional life over the years.

His parents’ emphasis on honesty, fairness and accountability has shaped his leadership style, which is characterized by transparency, inclusiveness, accountability and a commitment to doing what is right, just and fair.

As a decorated naval officer, Ibas has always demonstrated exceptional leadership and managerial abilities, successfully overseeing complex operations and managing diverse teams.

His experience in strategic planning, policy development and implementation will undoubtedly guide him well in addressing the challenges facing Rivers State at the moment.

Ibas’s strong sense of discipline and integrity will be a major asset that will be deployed in the management of the human and financial resources of the state. His ability to maintain the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, even in the face of adversity during his active days in the military earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and subordinates.

From the day he retired from active service till now, Ibas has not changed. He is known to be consistently consistent in character. This same discipline and integrity will enable him to make tough but rewarding decisions, uphold accountability and ensure that the resources of Rivers State are utilized efficiently and effectively for the good of the people, most of who have wailed in the past months, as a result of the politic debacle that almost brought the state to its knees.

In his new role, Ibas will expectedly bring a sense of discipline and accountability to the administration of the state. His strong background in logistics and resource management will enable him to optimize the use of state resources, ensuring that they are allocated efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of the citizens.

Over the next six months, the people of Rivers State can expect Ibas to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth and social welfare. He will, certainly, prioritize projects that address the state’s pressing needs, such as road construction, healthcare, and education. And from his antecedent, he will do so selflessly, after consultations. His leadership style, which emphasizes teamwork, will foster a sense of collaboration and inclusiveness among stakeholders, including political leaders, the traditional institution and the hoi-polloi. His commitment to excellence and results-driven approach will ensure that policies and programmes are designed to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Rivers State.

As Ibas arrives Port Harcourt in a matter of hours, after the National Assembly’s ratification of the emergency rule regime in the state, and settles into his new role, the people of Rivers State can look forward to a period of renewed hope, optimism and progress. With his proven track record of discipline and high degree of integrity, Ibas is well-positioned to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy in the state.

In his new role, he is expected to usher in a season of fresh air devoid of bickering to the state. Over the next six months, he will likely prioritize ongoing projects undertaken by the suspended governor, Sim Fubara, including the mega ring road project.

With Ibas, Rivers may just experience a bash.