Daily Lens
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, says he has successfully executed the mandate given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following six months of emergency rule in the state.
Speaking on Friday at the Government House in Port Harcourt during the presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the just-concluded council elections, Ibas said his assignment was to restore order, rebuild democratic institutions, and stabilise governance in Rivers.
“With the peaceful conduct of local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas, I can confidently say the mandate has been achieved,” he declared.
The administrator commended RSIEC for delivering what he described as a credible and transparent process, noting that voters were able to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation. He added that the commission’s report would be thoroughly reviewed and a government white paper issued in due course.
Earlier, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, presented the comprehensive election report. He described the exercise as historic, stressing that it was conducted in strict compliance with the RSIEC Law of 2018. He credited the success of the polls to effective collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies.
Dr. Odey further noted that the commission managed to organise and conclude the entire process within 30 days — an unprecedented achievement in Nigeria’s electoral history. He also thanked the Sole Administrator for providing the needed support and funding.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The move saw Fubara and state lawmakers suspended while Ibas was directed to oversee the state.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara, who has reportedly been on vacation abroad, is expected to return to office next week as the emergency rule for
mally expires.
