…As RSIEC presents historic local government election report

The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has declared that the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been “sufficiently achieved” with the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots level.

He made the announcement on Thursday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the formal presentation of the comprehensive report of the recently concluded local government elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

In his address, Vice Admiral Ibas said the peaceful conduct of the polls and the inauguration of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas signified the fulfillment of the presidential directive he received 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 that mandate,” he stated.

The Administrator commended RSIEC for delivering what he described as a fair, credible, and transparent electoral process that earned commendations both within and outside the state.

“For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and select their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered,” he added.

He assured that his administration would review the RSIEC report and issue a government white paper in due course, while also expressing gratitude to security agencies, state officials, and his team for their cooperation in stabilising the state.

Earlier, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, described the polls as a “historic achievement” for Rivers State and Nigeria at large. He said the report provided a detailed account of the entire process, from the notice of election and stakeholder engagements to polling, collation of results, and final declaration of winners.

Dr. Odey stressed that the commission operated strictly under the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2018 (as amended), attributing its success to strong collaboration with political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies.

He further acknowledged the Administrator’s support, particularly in providing “adequate and sufficient” funding, which he said enabled RSIEC to achieve an unprecedented milestone in election management.

“In the history of election management in Nigeria, whether at national or sub-national level, 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 declared.

Dr. Odey concluded by commending Rivers people for their peaceful participation and prayed for the continued progress and prosperity of the state.