Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.), on Friday declared that the mandate entrusted to him by President Bola Tinubu has been “sufficiently fulfilled” following the restoration of grassroots democracy in the state.
Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the formal presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the just-concluded local government elections, Ibas recalled that the President had, on March 18, 2025, tasked him with stabilising the state, reviving its institutions, and restoring democratic governance.
“With the successful conduct of the elections and the swearing-in of chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas, I can confidently say that the presidential mandate has been achieved,” Ibas said.
He praised RSIEC for what he described as a transparent and credible exercise, noting that voters were able to cast their ballots freely without intimidation.
He further assured that the government would carefully study the RSIEC report and issue a white paper in due course, while commending his team, security agencies, and civil servants for their support.
Earlier, RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey described the polls as a “historic milestone” for Rivers State and the nation, highlighting that the entire electoral process — from planning to conclusion — was completed within just 30 days, an unprecedented feat in Nigeria’s electoral history.
“The report captures our modest achievements, challenges encountered, and offers key recommendations that will strengthen the credibility of future elections in Rivers State,” Odey noted.
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