Wike, Fubara Absent at Rivers Sole Administrator Ibas Thanksgiving Service -

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By Odekunle Doyin

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, were conspicuously absent on Sunday at the farewell thanksgiving service of the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).

The interdenominational service, held in Port Harcourt as part of transitional activities, marked the end of Ibas’ tenure following months of managing the state after President Bola Tinubu declared a political emergency and suspended the governor in March.

In his farewell address, Ibas appealed to political leaders in the oil-rich state to place the collective good of Rivers above personal ambitions or partisan rivalries.

“The seeds of reconciliation have been planted, but they need your deliberate nurture to take root. Rivers State cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. Politics must never be an excuse to destroy the very state we are called to serve,” he warned.

The event drew attendance from permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of boards, agencies, parastatals, and top security commanders. However, many traditional rulers were also notably absent.

Reflecting on his brief but eventful tenure, Ibas expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and stakeholders for their support during what he described as “difficult days.”

“By God’s grace and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have worked through those difficult days together. Today, we thank God for peace, stability, and the successful conduct of local government elections,” he said.

The thanksgiving service formally closed a tense chapter in the state’s political history, leaving questions about the next phase of governance amid lingering divisions.