The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, on Monday officially sworn in the twenty three newly elected Local Government Chairmen, urging them to embrace transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership.
The event, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt, marked a major milestone in Rivers State’s gradual return to democratic governance after months of political turbulence that necessitated federal intervention.
In his keynote charge, Administrator Ibas emphasized that public office must never be reduced to a channel of personal enrichment. He declared: “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,” warning the new chairmen against politics of patronage.
The swearing-in comes months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing a collapse of law and order at the grassroots level. That intervention paved the way for fresh elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on August 30, 2025.
Ibas hailed the peaceful, transparent, and credible elections as a triumph for democracy. He praised voters for their resilience and discipline, stressing that democracy belongs to the people, and no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry.
The Administrator tasked the new council bosses to acquaint themselves with the Constitution and statutes guiding the local government system, which he described as the compass of stewardship. He charged them to prioritize peace and security in collaboration with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders, stressing that without peace there can be no progress. He further urged them to support local economic growth by empowering small businesses, upgrading infrastructure, and investing in education.
He also called on them to fully support the ongoing biometric enrollment of council staff, which he described as a critical reform designed to ensure accountability and effective payroll management.
Administrator Ibas extended appreciation to the outgoing Council Administrators for their steadfast service during a difficult period, noting that their contributions helped stabilize the state ahead of the transition.
With the swearing-in of the new chairmen, Rivers State has taken what Ibas described as a definitive stride towards the full restoration of democratic governance, reinforcing legitimacy and returning power to the grassroots
