The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has called for collective efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), saying that peace is essential for any meaningful development.
Speaking through the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, during a town hall meeting in Omoku on Saturday, Ibas emphasized that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of unrest.
“Without peace, no meaningful development can thrive,” he said, urging stakeholders—especially traditional leaders, youth groups, women, and security agencies—to work together in upholding calm across the region.
In a statement issued later that evening by his Senior Special Adviser, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas added, “Peace is not negotiable,” reaffirming the state government’s commitment to strategic engagement and inclusive dialogue to foster socio-economic growth in ONELGA.
To strengthen community relations, Ibas directed ONELGA Administrator Dr. Chukwuma Ajie to hold regular town hall meetings aimed at addressing local grievances and promoting mutual understanding.
Dr. Ajie praised recent security improvements, saying the area is now “safe and open for investors.” He also urged residents to report abandoned infrastructure projects for prompt government attention and to protect existing public assets.
Security agencies were also commended for their role in restoring stability, with calls for continued collaboration between communities and the government.
