Rivers State has sworn in 23 new local government chairmen, with Administrator Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas calling on them to embrace selfless service and abandon the politics of personal gain.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Port Harcourt on Monday, Ibas stressed that political office is “not a prize to be enjoyed, but a duty to be carried.” He urged the chairmen to deliver people-centred governance that strengthens institutions and uplifts communities.
The event marks a milestone in Rivers State’s political recovery, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in March after governance at the local level collapsed.
Ibas praised the peaceful conduct of the August 30 local polls, describing them as proof of the electorate’s resilience and commitment to democracy. He applauded the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for overseeing a transparent and rancour-free vote.
“The people have demonstrated that democracy belongs to them, and that legitimate authority flows only from their consent,” Ibas declared, pledging continued reforms to safeguard democratic governance.
