BREAKING NEWS: Ibas demands credible LG poll, reforms from Rivers boards

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Adm Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.

Rivers State Administrator, Vice Adm Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has demanded a credible local government election from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

He also charged other newly appointed board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity and unwavering dedication in their service to the state.

Ibas gave the charge while inaugurating the reconstituted RSIEC, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers Primary Health Care Management Board at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday night by the administrator’s Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo.

Addressing the chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas underscored their pivotal role in ensuring credible local government elections that would reflect the will of the people.

He stated, “Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level.

“You must resist bias, favouritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance. I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism—even in the face of difficult choices.”

To the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Ibas stressed the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.

“The civil service must transition from favouritism to competence, integrity, and accountability.

“Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.

The administrator disclosed that extensive training programmes were underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.

Ibas tasked the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission with ensuring professionalism and discipline in local government administration.

“As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity.

“Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery,” he stated.

He also charged the Rivers Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalising healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.

“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational—focusing on maternal health, immunisation, malaria control, and community health services,” Ibas said.

He emphasised data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.

Ibas assured the boards of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned that they would be held accountable for their performance.

The newly inaugurated members for RSIEC include: Dr Michael Ekpai Odey (chairman) with Prof Arthur Nwafor, Prof Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.

For the Civil Service Commission: Dr Livinus Bariki (chairman), Amb Lot Egopija, Mrs Maeve Bestman, and others.

Local Government Service Commission: Mr Isreal Amadi (chairman), Rear Adm Emmanuel Ofik (retd.), Dr Tonye Pepple, and others.

The Primary Health Care Board has Dr Dawari George (chairman), Dr Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.

The administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through service excellence.