The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has sworn in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen in the state.
The chairmen, who were elected during last Saturday’s council election in the state, were presented with certificates of returns by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Monday afternoon.
Speaking during the inauguration, which took place at the Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas urged the new council bosses to reject self-interest and embrace a new era of transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership for the people.
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He said the inauguration was a pivotal milestone in the state’s journey to restore full democratic governance after a period of political turbulence that led to the state of emergency.
He stated that leadership must move beyond the politics of patronage and focus squarely on delivering measurable services that tangibly improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots.
Ibas recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, following a breakdown of law and order and the collapse of governance at the local level.
He hailed the conduct of the local government elections, saying it was a decisive step towards reinstating constitutional order and a testament to the resilience of the people of Rivers.
He said: “This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried. It is not an entitlement, but a duty. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service.
“You proved that democracy belongs to the people, that power must flow from the consent of the governed, and that no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry.”
He commended the electorate for their discipline and active participation, as well as RSIEC for delivering a transparent, credible, and rancour-free electoral process.
Outlining a clear roadmap for the incoming chairmen, Ibas tasked them with mastering the law, urging them to acquaint themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and all statutes guiding the local government system, which he described as the essential “compass of stewardship.”
He appealed to them to prioritise security as their foremost priority, working closely with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to foster stability, adding that “without peace, there can be no progress.
He urged the chairmen to drive economic growth to strengthen local economies by supporting small businesses, critical infrastructure upgrades, and investments in education.