Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has declared that he has “sufficiently achieved” the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following what he described as the full restoration of democratic governance at the local government level in the oil-rich state. The retired naval chief made this bold statement on Friday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while receiving the official presentation of the comprehensive local government election report from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Tinubu’s Mandate Fulfilled
Ibas reminded stakeholders that President Tinubu had, on March 18, 2025, assigned him the delicate task of stabilising Rivers State after months of political turbulence, rebuilding its weakened institutions, and ensuring that democracy was firmly restored at the grassroots.
According to him, the peaceful, credible, and widely accepted conduct of the recently concluded council elections — followed by the immediate swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas — is evidence that the presidential assignment was successfully accomplished. He stressed that the achievement was not just about elections but also about rebuilding confidence in the democratic process at the grassroots level.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilise 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 can confidently say that we have delivered on this historic mandate. The people of Rivers have spoken freely and their voices have been heard,” Ibas said firmly.
He went on to commend RSIEC, noting that the commission worked tirelessly to ensure a transparent process where the electorate voted without intimidation, manipulation, or harassment. He described their effort as “a defining moment for democracy in Rivers State.”
RSIEC Hails Historic Achievement
Earlier during the ceremony, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, presented the election report and praised the smooth execution of the polls as a landmark achievement not just for Rivers State but for Nigeria’s electoral system. Odey highlighted that the elections were conceived, organised, executed, and concluded within a record period of just 30 days — an unprecedented feat in the nation’s democratic history.
“This report captures our modest achievements, details the challenges we encountered, and provides actionable recommendations for strengthening future electoral exercises in Rivers State. The speed and efficiency with which this election was managed demonstrate the determination of the commission and the resilience of the people,” Odey explained.
He further pointed out that the successful polls also showcased how quickly democracy can be rebuilt when institutions are given adequate support, political will, and independence to carry out their duties without fear or favour.
Ibas, in response, assured Rivers people that the government would carefully study the report and release a white paper in due course to guide future improvements. He also extended appreciation to members of his administrative team, the RSIEC, security agencies, and state officials whose collective efforts contributed to the stability and credibility of the entire process. He noted that their cooperation was vital in fulfilling the president’s directive and restoring confidence in the political climate of the state.
The Sole Administrator concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting the newly elected local government officials as they begin their tenure, stressing that grassroots governance is the foundation of national progress. His remarks drew applause from attendees, many of whom hailed the process as a turning point for Rivers State after years of political tension.
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