by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
With just five days left before the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State expires on September 18, State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has declared that he has successfully delivered on President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
Ibas made the statement on Friday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, while receiving the report of the recently concluded local government elections from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
According to him, the restoration of order, relative peace, and the conduct of credible grassroots elections demonstrate that the objectives of the emergency administration have been achieved.
President Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and threats to security. The measure led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member House of Assembly, following a high-level meeting with security chiefs in Abuja. Tinubu subsequently appointed Ibas—former Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021)—as sole administrator.
The crisis, rooted in a prolonged power struggle between Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, had paralysed governance in the oil-rich state. But following the August 30 local government elections, Wike signaled that normal governance structures would soon return.
Speaking on the outcome of the polls, Ibas stressed that the peaceful conduct and swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across the 23 local government areas fulfilled Tinubu’s directive.
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: stabilise the state, rebuild its institutions, and return it to full democratic governance. With the successful conduct of the elections, I believe we have achieved this mandate,” Ibas said.
He praised RSIEC for conducting what he described as a fair, credible, and transparent process. “For once, an election was held where nobody was harassed, where people freely chose their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful environment we fostered,” he added.
The administrator assured that his team would review the RSIEC report and issue a government white paper. He also commended security agencies and state officials for their collaboration, noting that “this is what it takes to build nations.”
Presenting the report, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, described the election as a “historic achievement” for Rivers and the country at large. He said the report provides a comprehensive account of the process—from the notice of election to the final announcement of winners—while highlighting challenges and recommendations for future polls.
Odey credited the success of the exercise to robust collaboration with political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies, as well as “adequate and sufficient” funding from the administrator. He also commended Rivers residents for their peaceful participation and prayed for the continued progress of the state.