The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has reaffirmed that safeguarding lives and property is his administration’s top priority.
Ibas made this known on Friday during a stakeholder meeting held at Eberi, the headquarters of Omuma Local Government Area. He was represented at the event by the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
The administrator explained that the meeting aimed to better understand the unique challenges in different parts of the state, particularly in areas of security and welfare, and to work toward long-term solutions.
He stressed that achieving peace should not be left to the government alone but is a collective duty. He urged the Omuma LGA Administrator, Ikechi Nwala, to organize frequent town hall meetings that bring together police officers, traditional rulers, political figures, women, and youth groups to help maintain peace and security.
Ibas also called on the local community to identify older but important projects that still need attention. He encouraged youths to actively protect public facilities in their localities.
Responding to the call, Mr. Nwala requested increased police presence in the area to boost security. He identified key issues troubling Omuma, including land grabbing, politically driven arrests, and illegal oil bunkering.
He claimed that many of these activities are carried out by individuals he described as outsiders from neighboring Abia State.
Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator in March, following the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
