Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has called for credible local government elections from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). 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 this directive on Monday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the reconstituted RSIEC, Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers Primary Health Care Management Board.
The administrator's Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, released a statement about the inauguration on Monday night.
Addressing RSIEC, Ibas emphasized their critical role in ensuring credible local government elections that truly 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 excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions. He stated,
“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 added that extensive training programs are underway, with a committee established to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.
Ibas also tasked the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission with ensuring professionalism and discipline in local government administration. He stated,
“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.”
Additionally, he charged the Rivers Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalizing healthcare delivery across all 23 local government areas. Ibas said,
“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, immunization, malaria control, and community health services.”
He highlighted the importance of data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.
Ibas assured the newly constituted boards of continuous government support, including funding, for them to effectively carry out their mandates. However, he warned that they would be held accountable for their performance.
The newly inaugurated members include:
RSIEC: Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (chairman), with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.
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.
Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.
The Administrator urged the new appointees to approach their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through service excellence.