The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, says the presidential mandate handed to him has been “sufficiently achieved” following the successful restoration of grassroots democracy in the state.
Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, Admiral Ibas explained that the peaceful conduct of the recently concluded local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors in all 23 LGAs were the direct fulfillment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive of March 18, 2025.
According to him, the President tasked his administration with stabilising the state, rebuilding its democratic institutions, and returning it to full constitutional governance.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear… and with the successful completion of the elections, I believe we have achieved that mandate,” the Administrator stated.
He commended the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for organising what he described as a credible and transparent poll, widely applauded across the country.
“An election was held without harassment, where people freely chose their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful environment we collectively fostered,” he said, adding that a government white paper on the RSIEC report will be released after due review.
Presenting the report earlier, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, described the exercise as a “historic achievement” for Rivers and Nigeria.
He noted that the Commission completed the entire electoral process, from notice of election to declaration of winners, within 30 days, a feat he said was unprecedented in the country.
Dr. Odey credited the success to the Commission’s strict adherence to the law, robust stakeholder engagement, and the Administrator’s support, particularly in funding.
He further praised the people of Rivers State for their peaceful participation, stressing that the report contains recommendations to strengthen future polls.