The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has officially declared that the emergency governance mandate assigned to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been “sufficiently achieved.” The declaration follows the peaceful conduct and conclusion of local government elections across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Speaking during a presentation ceremony at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, where the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) submitted its official report, Ibas said the peaceful elections and swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors fulfilled the presidential directive given to him on March 18, 2025.
He explained that President Tinubu’s instructions were to stabilize the state, restore democratic institutions, and return Rivers State to full democratic governance. According to Ibas, the successful conduct of local government polls and the inauguration of the newly elected officials represents the full delivery of that mandate.
“Mr President’s mandate to me was clear: stabilise the state, re-establish its institutions, and return Rivers State to full democratic governance. With the successful conduct and inauguration of local government councils, we have decisively delivered on that mandate,” he stated.
The Administrator commended RSIEC for organizing what he described as a credible, transparent, and peaceful election that has attracted praise from both within and beyond the state. He noted that for the first time in recent memory, an election in the state was conducted without violence or harassment, with citizens freely making their choice of leaders. This, he said, reflects the stable and secure environment that the administration has worked hard to establish.
Ibas further assured that the comprehensive report submitted by RSIEC would be carefully reviewed by the state government, with a white paper to follow. He thanked his administration’s team, security agencies, civil society, and public servants for their cooperation, emphasizing that rebuilding governance structures in Rivers State was a product of collective effort and shared commitment.
Presenting the report, RSIEC Chairman Mike Odey described the just-concluded polls as a historic achievement not only for Rivers State but also for Nigeria’s sub-national electoral record. He said the report captures the entire electoral process — from issuance of notices, stakeholder engagement, logistics and voting, to the collation and final declaration of results. Odey emphasized that the process complied strictly with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2018 (as amended).
The RSIEC chairman also highlighted the speed and efficiency of the process, noting that no other electoral body in Nigeria, either at the national or state level, has successfully organized and concluded an election cycle within 30 days. He attributed this success to strong collaboration with political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies, and expressed gratitude to the Administrator for ensuring sufficient funding and logistical support.
Odey concluded by applauding the people of Rivers State for their peaceful participation and commitment to democratic values. He expressed hope that the gains achieved in this process would serve as a foundation for future electoral integrity, urging all stakeholders to remain engaged in the collective task of advancing democracy and governance in the state.
