Outgoing Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has urged political actors and residents to put the state’s peace and unity above personal ambition. He made the call during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.

The service marked the end of his six-month tenure as Sole Administrator, following President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule declaration earlier this year.

Reflecting on his time in office, Ibas recalled that Rivers State was deeply divided and unstable before the federal intervention. He stressed that the sacrifices of citizens must never be undermined by political rivalry.

“Political actors must sheath their swords, because no political victory or personal gain is worth the blood of any Rivers citizen. The progress and prosperity of Rivers State must be placed above personal or partisan interest. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve,” he said.

Ibas’s remarks come as Rivers transitions back to democratic governance following the recent local council elections. His message is seen as a reminder to leaders and citizens alike that peace and stability are the foundation for meaningful development in the state.