The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) has charged the 23 elected local government council Chairmen on selfless service and grassroots development.
The Administrator who gave the charge while swearing-in the chairmen at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday, urged them to reject self-interest and embrace a new era of transparent, accountable, and reform-driven leadership for the people.
He noted that the ceremony marks a pivotal milestone in the state’s journey to restore full democratic governance following the period of political turbulence that necessitated federal intervention.
The Administrator stated that public office is a sacred trust, not an avenue for personal gain.
“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,” Ibas declared.
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.
Ibas recalled that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, in the State, followed a alleged 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, commending the electorate for their discipline and active participation.
The Administrator also praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for delivering what he described as a transparent, credible, and rancor-free electoral process.
Speaking further, Ibas tasked the 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.”
He charged them to make peace and security their foremost priority, working closely with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community leaders to foster stability. “Without peace, there can be no progress,” he affirmed.
On driving economic growth, the Administrator mandated the chairmen to strengthen local economies by supporting small businesses, critical infrastructure upgrades, and investments in education.
He informed them of the ongoing biometric enrollment of all local government staff, a critical data-driven reform, urging their full support to ensure its completion for effective planning and payroll management.
The Administrator also expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing Council Administrators for their steadfast service and contributions during a critical period in the state’s history.
Blessing Ibunge
Follow us on:
