Ibas Bids Farewell with Thanksgiving, Pension Shake-Up As Fubara Return Nears

According to report by Vanguard on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with the September 18 deadline approaching for the lifting of emergency rule in Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas, the state’s sole administrator, has announced plans for a grand thanksgiving service to mark his six-month tenure managing the state’s affairs.

The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Ecumenical Centre on Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt, will feature top government officials, traditional rulers, security heads, local government chairmen, and prominent industry leaders.

According to Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Secretary to the State Government, Ibas will serve as the special guest of honor at the inter-denominational service, which forms part of broader transition activities to restore democratic governance.

In a decisive move to address long-standing issues, Ibas inaugurated the newly constituted Rivers State Pensions Board. The board’s mandate is to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of retirees’ benefits.

Speaking at the ceremony held in the Executive Chambers of the Government House, Ibas emphasized the administration’s commitment to ending years of delays and administrative bottlenecks that have caused hardship for pensioners.

He described the event not merely as ceremonial but as a statement of dedication to ensuring retirees are treated with dignity and respect.

The Administrator urged the new board members to deliver results without excuses, noting that expectations are high and that retirees have waited long enough.

He further revealed that the ongoing state-wide re-verification exercise had uncovered significant lapses in the previous system. The board was carefully selected to restore public confidence and guarantee timely processing and payment of entitlements.

Reflecting on his mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ibas stated that the restoration of democratic governance at the local government level marked the successful fulfillment of his mission.

He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for conducting free, fair, and credible elections, which allowed citizens to select leaders without harassment.

As Rivers residents anticipate the return of full democratic governance, expectations remain high, with Ibas’s tenure remembered for stabilizing the state, revitalizing institutions, and setting the stage for a smooth transition to elected leadership.

His tenure, since the March 18 emergency rule declaration, concludes with efforts aimed at strengthening governance, addressing retirees’ welfare, and fostering a peaceful political environment in the state.

COURTESY: dewritter