The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has praised the peaceful and orderly nature of Saturday’s local government elections, describing it as a crucial stride toward reinstating democratic governance at the grassroots level.
Vice Admiral Ibas, who personally monitored the exercise in several parts of the state, expressed satisfaction with the calmness and discipline shown by voters and election officials. According to him, their conduct fostered a secure atmosphere that allowed the polls to proceed smoothly.
While addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, he highlighted both the impressive voter turnout and the serenity observed at polling stations as proof that the people of Rivers are eager to reclaim their role in grassroots governance.
“I am very happy with what I have witnessed today. The process has been notably peaceful, from the significant turnout to the orderly conduct of both voters and election officials. I am confident that at the end of the day, we will have a credible set of results that we will all be proud of as a state,” Vice Admiral Ibas remarked.
He further revealed that situation reports from across the 23 local government areas mirrored his own observations, pointing to a largely incident-free election.
“Generally, the situation has been calm and seamless across the state. We have not received any major negative reports, which is a testament to the collective desire for peace and normalcy,” he added.
The administrator stressed that the exercise reflected the people’s wish to elect leaders they could directly identify with at the local government level. He explained that the outcome aligns with his broader responsibility of stabilizing the state and restoring democratic rule.
“Certainly, all indigenes of Rivers State want and deserve grassroots leadership they can call their own. That is what this process represents,” he emphasized. “Facilitating this foundational tier of democracy is a core objective of my mandate: to put the state back on a stable, democratic path and empower its people.”
Some of the areas he visited included communities in Emohua, Ahoada East, and Port Harcourt, where he observed proceedings and interacted with residents.
What you should know
Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired senior naval officer and current Administrator of Rivers State, is overseeing the transition back to democratic rule at the grassroots level.
His commendation of the peaceful local government elections reflects his commitment to ensuring stability and empowering Rivers people to elect leaders of their choice.
