The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), yesterday sworn in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen, urging them to reject self-interest and embrace a new era of transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership for the people.
The ceremony, which was held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, marked a pivotal milestone in the state’s journey to restore full democratic governance, following the period of political turbulence that necessitated federal intervention.
A statement by the media aide to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, yesterday, said Ibas left no room for ambiguity regarding the expectations of the new council bosses, saying public office was a sacred trust, and not an avenue for personal gain.
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,” Ibas declared.
He cautioned 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.
The Administrator placed the historic event within the broader context of the state’s recent challenges, recalling President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
This, he said, followed a breakdown of law and order and the collapse of governance at the local level. He hailed the peaceful and successful conduct of the local government election of August 30, 2025, describing it as a decisive step towards reinstating constitutional order and a testament to the resilience of the people of Rivers State.
“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 said.
He commended the electorate for their discipline and active participation, while praising the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for delivering a transparent, credible, and rancor-free electoral process.
Ibas, while outlining a clear roadmap for the incoming chairmen, tasked them with:
· Mastering the law, and urging them to acquaint themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and all the statutes guiding the local government system, which he described as the essential “compass of stewardship.”
