KEY POINTS
- Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers credited with restoring democracy.
- Local polls in 23 LGAs praised as peaceful and credible.
- RSIEC report on elections to guide government white paper.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, said President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in the state has met its objectives, citing the peaceful conduct of local elections across 23 council areas.
Ibas, whom the government appointed in March to stabilize Rivers after months of political turmoil, said the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors “sufficiently achieved” the transition back to grassroots democracy.
Peaceful local polls mark milestone
Speaking at Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas praised the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for organizing what he called a fair and transparent process. “For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed,” he said.
Furthermore he added that the outcome fulfilled Tinubu’s directive to restore stability, rebuild institutions, and return the state to full democratic governance.
RSIEC presents further election report
The remarks came during a ceremony where RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey presented a comprehensive report on the polls. The document details the entire electoral process, from initial notices and stakeholder engagement to collation of results and declaration of winners. Moreover Odey described the exercise as a “historic achievement” for both Rivers State and Nigeria.
White paper to further follow review
Ibas said his administration would carefully review the RSIEC report and publish a government white paper in due course. He further emphasized that the exercise showed Rivers could move past political crisis and create “an enabling environment” for democratic institutions.
