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• Charges them on selfless service, grassroots development
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has sworn in the 23 newly elected local government chairmen, charging them to reject self-interest and embrace a new era of transparent, accountable and reform-driven leadership for the people.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday, marked a pivotal milestone in the state’s journey to restore full democratic governance, following the period of political turbulence that necessitated the federal intervention.
In his address, Ibas left no room for ambiguity regarding the expectations of the new council bosses.
He firmly stated that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain.
He said: “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.”
The sole administrator cautioned that leadership must move beyond the politics of patronage and focus squarely on delivering measurable services that tangibly improve the lives of citizens at the grassroots.
He placed the historic event within the broader context of the state’s recent challenges, recalling President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, following a catastrophic breakdown of law and order and the collapse of governance at the local level.
He hailed the peaceful and successful conduct of the local government elections on August 30, 2025, as a decisive step towards reinstating constitutional order and a testament to the resilience of the people of 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 said.
He commended the electorate for their discipline and active participation.
He also praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for delivering a transparent, credible and rancour-free electoral process.
Outlining a clear roadmap for the incoming chairmen, Ibas charged them to master the law, urging them to acquaint themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and all the statutes guiding the local government system, which he described as the essential compass of stewardship.
He also tasked them on prioritising security, charging them to make peace and security their foremost priority, and working closely with traditional rulers, security agencies and community leaders to foster stability.
He affirmed that, “Without peace, there can be no progress.” He charged them to strengthen local economies by supporting small businesses, critical infrastructure upgrades and investments in education.
The sole administrator also tasked them on supporting reform, informing them of the ongoing biometric enrollment of all local government staff.
He described it as a critical data-driven reform and urged their full support to ensure its completion for effective planning and payroll management.
He also expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing council chairmen for their steadfast service and contributions during a critical period in the state’s history.
With this swearing-in, Rivers State takes a definitive stride toward the full restoration of its democratic governance structure, reinforcing legitimacy and returning power to the grassroots where it belongs.
