Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), has urged the newly elected Local Government Chairmen to be selfless and focus on Grassroot development.
Ibas gave the charge while swearing in newly elected chairmen of the 23 LG Councils in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday evening.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, and sent to newsmen.
Ibas told the chairmen to embrace a new era of transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership for the people of their respective areas.
The administrator firmly stated that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain, and urged them to reflect such.
Ibas stated, “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 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.
The administrator 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 the tenets political situation in the state occasioned by disagreements among political actors.
The administrator firmly stated that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain, and urged them to reflect such.
Ibas stated, “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 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.
The administrator 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 the tenets political situation in the state occasioned by disagreements among political actors.
He, however, hailed the peaceful and successful conduct of the Local Government elections on August 30, 2025, describing it as a decisive step towards reinstating constitutional order in the oil-rich state.
To Rivers people, he said, “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. ”
The administrator commended the electorate for their discipline and active participation in last Saturday’s poll, even as he praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for delivering a transparent, credible, and rancour-free electoral process.
He further urged the incoming chairmen to acquaint themselves with the Nigerian Constitution and all statutes guiding the local government system, which he described as the essential “compass of stewardship.”
Ibas also admonish them to make peace and security their major priority, working closely with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to foster stability.
“Without peace, there can be no progress,” he affirmed and asked them to strengthen local economies by supporting small businesses, critical infrastructure upgrades, and investments in education.
Ibas thanked the outgoing Council Administrators for their steadfast service and contributions during a critical period in the state’s history and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Michael Odey, has told newly elected chairmen of the 23 LGAs of the state to see the certificates issued them as “mandates for service,” rather than “symbols of victory.”
Odey gave the charge on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Port Harcourt, at the presentation of Certificates of Return to 23 chairmen and 319 councillors declared winners of the just-concluded local government elections held on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
“The certificates you have received are not symbols of victory but mandates for service to the people,” Odey said.
He admonished the newly elected officials to shun the “winner-takes-all” attitude and instead embrace humility, transparency, and accountability in their leadership. Odey also emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law as a foundation for effective governance
The RSIEC chairman commended the structures put in place for the election, noting that they contributed to a seamless process and peaceful conduct of the polls.
Addressing candidates and parties dissatisfied with the outcome to seek justice in court, stressing that the judiciary remains the constitutional avenue for resolving electoral disputes. He further assured that the commission will conduct a post-election review to consolidate lessons learned and improve on future elections.
By Miracle Chidinma Amaechi
