The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, on Monday swore in the 23 newly elected Local Government Chairmen with a charge to embrace transparency, accountability, and grassroots development.
The ceremony, held at Government House, Port Harcourt, signaled another step in the state’s return to democratic governance after months of federal intervention following a breakdown of law and order.
Ibas reminded the council chairmen that public office was a trust, not an entitlement.
“This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service,” he declared, stressing that leadership must move beyond patronage politics and deliver tangible services to citizens.
The Administrator commended the peaceful conduct of the August 30 local government elections, describing it as proof of the resilience of Rivers people. He praised the electorate for their discipline and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for what he called a credible and rancour-free exercise.
Recalling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency, Ibas said the elections marked a decisive step toward restoring constitutional order in the state.
He outlined his expectations of the new chairmen, urging them to acquaint themselves with the Constitution and statutes guiding local government administration; work with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure peace; support small businesses, improve infrastructure, and invest in education; and cooperate with the ongoing biometric enrollment of council staff to strengthen payroll and planning.
Ibas also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Council Administrators for holding the fort during a difficult period.
With the swearing-in, the state, he said, has taken “a definitive stride toward the full restoration of democratic governance and the return of power to the grassroots.”
