Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has declared that the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu to restore stability and democratic governance in the state has been successfully accomplished.
Ibas made this statement on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the official presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the just-concluded local government elections.
He recalled that President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, tasked him with restoring order, rebuilding state institutions, and returning Rivers to democratic rule following a period of political tension.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear, to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for rebuilding its institutions, and return Rivers State to full democratic governance,” Ibas said.
“With the successful conduct of the local government elections and the swearing-in of newly elected chairmen and councillors across the 23 LGAs, I believe that mandate has been decisively achieved.”
The retired naval chief praised RSIEC for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election, free from voter intimidation or interference.
He assured the public that the government would review the RSIEC report and release a white paper in due course.
Ibas also commended security agencies, government officials, and his administrative team for their collective efforts in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
Earlier, RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey presented the commission’s official report, describing the local government elections as a “historic achievement” for both Rivers State and Nigeria.
“This election was planned, executed, and concluded within 30 days, an unprecedented milestone in Nigerian electoral history,” Odey said.
“The report outlines our achievements, the challenges encountered, and key recommendations aimed at improving future elections in the state”.
