In a ceremony held at the Government House on Monday, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd.), officially inaugurated the 23 newly elected local government chairmen.
The event, described as a major step in returning the state to democratic stability, follows recent efforts to restore governance after a period of political turmoil.
Addressing the new officials, Ibas emphasized the gravity of public service and urged them to pursue leadership grounded in accountability and reform.
He declared: “This victory is not a prize to be enjoyed. It is a burden to be carried. It is not an entitlement, but a duty. It is not a call to self-interest, but to selfless service.”
He called for a shift away from patronage-based politics, stressing the importance of delivering real, measurable benefits to communities. The swearing-in was portrayed as not only a routine administrative process but also a critical point in the state’s recovery from governance failures that had previously required federal intervention.
Reflecting on recent challenges, Ibas recalled the March 18, 2025, declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, prompted by the collapse of governance and widespread unrest at the local level.
The Administrator commended the peaceful and successful conduct of the August 30, 2025, local government elections, describing them as a clear affirmation of democratic resilience in Rivers State. “You proved that democracy belongs to the people, that power must flow from the consent of the governed, and that no obstacle can weaken the resolve of a united citizenry,” he stated.
Ibas also lauded the discipline and active participation of voters, along with the efforts of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for overseeing what he termed a transparent and credible electoral process.
