The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has declared that the emergency mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been successfully achieved with the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots.
Ibas made the declaration on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the presentation of the comprehensive report of the recently concluded local government elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
He said the peaceful conduct of the polls and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors in all 23 local government areas had fulfilled the core directive issued to him on March 18, 2025.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilize the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance. With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given,” Ibas stated.
The August 30th local government elections however have been criticized as a charade carried out to install lackeys of President Bola Tinubu’s main supporter and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and put in a place a structure to work for his reelection in 2027.
The elections were boycotted by opposition parties as they had only candidates of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party on the ballot.
The Administrator commended RSIEC for organizing what he described as a credible and transparent election, noting that it was widely praised within and beyond the state.
“For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and to select whom they wanted as their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered,” he added.
He assured that government would review the RSIEC report and issue a white paper in due course, while also appreciating security agencies, civil servants, and his team for their synergy in achieving stability.
RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, described the election as a “historic achievement” for the state, saying the detailed report covers every stage of the process – from the notice of election to collation and announcement of results.
Dr. Odey noted that the Commission adhered strictly to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2018 (as amended), and credited the success of the polls to robust collaboration with political parties, civil society, and security agencies.
He further revealed that adequate funding from the Administrator enabled RSIEC to deliver what he termed an unprecedented electoral feat.
“In the history of election management in Nigeria, be it national or sub-national, no institution has ever organized, coordinated, conducted, and supervised a complete electoral process within 30 days. With all modesty, I have no regrets in stating this fact for the record,” he said.
The RSIEC boss commended Rivers people for their peaceful participation and prayed for the state’s continued progress and prosperity.
