The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has officially sworn in the 23 newly elected Local Government Chairmen, following the conclusion of local elections held across over 6,000 polling units on August 30.
The inauguration came just hours after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) issued certificates of return to the winners.
In his address during the swearing-in ceremony, Ibas reminded the new officials that public office is not a reward but a responsibility.
“This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried… not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service,” he stated firmly.
Calling for a shift away from patronage politics, Ibas urged the chairmen to focus on service delivery, transparency and reforms that directly benefit citizens at the grassroots level.
The retired naval chief also linked the successful and peaceful conduct of the election to broader national efforts to restore constitutional order.
He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025, highlighting the election as a crucial step toward political normalization.
“You proved that democracy belongs to the people… and that no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry,” he said, praising voters for their discipline.
Ibas commended RSIEC for conducting what he described as a transparent and peaceful poll and charged the new chairmen to familiarize themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and local government laws, which he called the “compass of stewardship.”
He also emphasized the importance of collaborating with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure peace, supporting small businesses and improving local infrastructure as well as investing in education and participating in the ongoing biometric enrollment of local government staff to enhance payroll management and planning.
Ibas acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Council Administrators, applauding them for their leadership during a critical chapter in the state’s governance.
