The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has described the conduct of Saturday’s local government elections across the state as peaceful, orderly, and a significant milestone in the state’s return to grassroots democracy.
Speaking with journalists after monitoring the elections in several local government areas including Emohua, Ahoada East, and Port Harcourt, Ibas expressed satisfaction with the conduct of voters and election officials.
“I am very pleased with what I’ve seen today. The process has been notably peaceful. From the impressive voter turnout to the orderly behavior of electoral staff and residents, everything has gone smoothly,” he said.
Ibas expressed confidence that the elections would produce credible outcomes that reflect the people’s will.
“At the end of the day, I believe we’ll have results we can all be proud of as a state,” he added.
The retired naval officer noted that reports from across the state’s 23 local government areas had been largely consistent with his observations, describing the process as calm, seamless, and largely free of disruptions.
“This reflects a collective yearning for peace and the restoration of democratic governance at the grassroots,” he said.
Ibas also emphasized the importance of reestablishing elected leadership at the local level, adding that it forms a key part of his mandate to stabilize the state and empower citizens.
“Every indigene of Rivers State deserves leadership they can identify with, leaders chosen by the people at the grassroots level. This election is a foundational step toward achieving that,” he said.
Saturday’s poll comes months after the Supreme Court invalidated the previous local government elections conducted on October 5, 2024, under the administration of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The court’s decision necessitated the fresh elections currently underway.
Vice Admiral Ibas, appointed as Sole Administrator in the wake of the political crisis in the state, reiterated his administration’s commitment to rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring stability through lawful and inclusive processes.
