Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has confidently declared that President Bola Tinubu’s mandate in the state has been fulfilled. This announcement was made during the presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the recently concluded local government elections. Speaking at the state Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas emphasized that the presidential directive issued on March 18, 2025, aimed at restoring order, re-establishing democratic institutions, and stabilizing the state, has been achieved.

The declaration of a six-month state of emergency by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, was a measure taken to prevent the outbreak of a political crisis in Rivers State. This extraordinary step followed prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats that had paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state. The crisis was primarily fueled by a months-long power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which has since been resolved. As part of this intervention, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the 32-man House of Assembly were suspended, and Vice Admiral Ibas was appointed as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy was restored.

Ibas, who is expected to conclude his tenure as the six-month emergency rule draws to a close on September 18, underscored the peaceful conduct of the local government elections and the subsequent swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 Local Government Areas as definitive proof of the mandate’s success. He stated, “Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance.” He further added, “With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given.”

The Administrator commended RSIEC for organizing what he described as a fair, credible, and transparent electoral process, which garnered praise both within and beyond the state. He highlighted the freedom voters experienced, noting, “For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and to select whom they wanted as their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered.” Ibas also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of his team, security agencies, and state officials, assuring that his administration would review the RSIEC report and issue an official government white paper.

Earlier, Dr. Mike Odey, Chairman of RSIEC, presented a detailed report, hailing the election as a “historic achievement” for both Rivers State and the nation. He confirmed that the commission operated strictly in accordance with the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2018 (as amended) and attributed the success to robust collaboration with political parties, civil society organizations, and security agencies. Dr. Odey also expressed gratitude for the “adequate and sufficient” funding provided by the Administrator, which enabled an unprecedented feat in Nigerian electoral management, and commended the Rivers people for their peaceful participation.