The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission on Monday presented certificates of return to 23 local government chairmen-elect and 319 ward councillors-elect following their victory in the August 30, 2025, local government elections.
The certificates were handed over by RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, during a ceremony at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
Addressing the gathering, Odey described the presentation as more than a celebration of victory, stating that it represents a solemn call to service.
“This certificate of return is not only a trophy of triumph, they are mandate for service. To our newly elected chairmen and councillors, govern with humility, transparency and fidelity to the law,” he said.
Odey hailed the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging the newly elected officials to lead with integrity and reject the notion of exclusive political dominance. “Be a leader to all, supporters and non-supporters alike. The winners take it all. Politics has no place in local governance,” he stated, calling for humility, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
He praised various stakeholders including community leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process. “Today is a proud moment in the history of Rivers State. I want to thank the people of Rivers State for their exemplary conduct. I commend the security agencies for their professionalism, the candidates for their maturity, civil society and the media for their vigilance,” Odey said. “Your conduct made the election credible and orderly. Let me emphasise that, sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people and so the ballot they cast is a solemn matter with us.”
Addressing potential electoral grievances, the RSIEC Chairman encouraged candidates and parties with concerns to pursue legal and peaceful channels. “The candidates, who may feel aggrieved, the law has provided a channel for redress. We encourage the use of lawful and peaceful processes,” he said. He also announced plans for a post-election review to strengthen future electoral processes. “As a commission, we shall conduct a post-election review to consolidate lessons learnt and to keep improving our systems and service delivery,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected officials, Port Harcourt City Chairman-elect, Allwell Ihunda, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for helping restore stability in the state. Ihunda, elected under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also commended the role played by the state administrator in achieving a peaceful election.
“We want to thank our President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for restoring peace in Rivers State and also to thank the Administrator of the state, Rear Admiral Ikot Ete Ibas (rtd), for facilitating the peace that has been restored in Rivers State in ensuring that democracy is returned back to the local government councils,” he said.
He assured residents that the elected officials would remain focused on grassroots development. “Therefore, we have to assure people of Rivers State that, having been elected to represent the people in our various wards and councils, we are to drive the dividends of democracy to the grassroots,” he noted.
Ihunda also described the election as one of the most peaceful and credible in the state’s history. “We hereby assure you all that the peace that has been restored in Rivers State will continue through the process that has been enshrined today. It is one of the elections that I have witnessed in the history of Rivers State, very credible and very peaceful,” he added.
