The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), has sworn in the 23 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, asking them to reject self-interest in favor of transparent, responsible, and reform-driven leadership.
The swearing-in event, conducted at the Government House in Port Harcourt, is a significant step toward the state’s return to full democratic administration following months of political turmoil that prompted federal involvement.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu proclaimed emergency rule in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the entire House of Assembly in response to a prolonged political crisis that nearly wrecked governance.
“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 told the new chairmen in his inaugural charge.
He underlined that leadership must go beyond patronage politics and focus on providing measurable services that benefit citizens at the grassroots level.
Ibas praised the peaceful conduct of the August 30, 2025, local government elections, calling it a critical step toward restoring constitutional order and a monument to Rivers people’s perseverance.
“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, praising both the electorate and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for what he called a credible and rancor-free process.
Ibas outlined priorities for the new council heads, including familiarizing themselves with the Constitution and statutes that regulate the local government system, making peace and security a priority by collaborating with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders, and supporting small enterprises, improving infrastructure, and investing in education to boost local economies.
“Without peace, there can be no progress,” he cautioned.
The Sole Administrator also emphasized the ongoing biometric enrollment of local government employees as a crucial reform, urging chairmen to support the process for optimal planning and payroll administration.
He also thanked the departed council administrators for their efforts at what he termed as a vital era in the state’s history.
With the swearing-in of the 23 chairmen, Rivers State takes a significant step toward restoring democratic governance and strengthening grassroots legitimacy.
