Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator for Rivers State, has declared that he has successfully accomplished the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu following the recent local government elections. Ibas made the statement on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) presented its report on the elections.
The Administrator recalled that on March 18, 2025, President Tinubu tasked him with stabilising the state, re-establishing its institutions, and returning Rivers State to full democratic governance. The successful conduct of the elections and the subsequent swearing-in of elected chairpersons and councillors across the state’s 23 local governments, Ibas stated, have fulfilled that mandate.
“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 believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given,” Ibas remarked.
Ibas commended the RSIEC for conducting a credible and transparent election, highlighting that the process was free from harassment and allowed voters to freely express their choices. He expressed confidence that the government would review the RSIEC report and issue a white paper in due course. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to his team, security agencies, and other state officials for their efforts in ensuring the success of the elections.
Earlier in the day, RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey had presented the commission’s report, calling the elections a “historic achievement” for both Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. Odey praised the remarkable efficiency of the election, which was organised, coordinated, and concluded within just 30 days, setting a new record in Nigerian electoral history.
“The report highlights our modest achievements, our challenges, and provides key recommendations that will strengthen future elections in Rivers State,” said Odey, underscoring the need for continuous improvements in the state’s electoral process.
