Tinubu’s Mandate To Restore Democracy In Rivers Now Fully Achieved, Says Ibas

 Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), says President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore democratic governance in the state has been “decisively achieved.”

Ibas made the declaration on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the formal presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the just-concluded local government elections.

The administrator said the peaceful conduct of the polls and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 local councils fulfilled President Tinubu’s March 18, 2025 mandate to stabilize the state, rebuild its democratic institutions, and restore grassroots governance.

“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 to full democratic governance. With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have achieved that mandate,” Ibas said.

He praised RSIEC for what he described as a transparent and credible election process that reflected the will of the people and was free of harassment or intimidation. He added that the state government would review the RSIEC report and issue a white paper to guide future elections.

Ibas also commended security agencies, government officials, and his team for ensuring peace and order throughout the electoral process, describing the outcome as a major step in reinforcing democratic norms at the local level, a key plank of President Tinubu’s governance agenda.

Presenting the report, RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey described the exercise as “historic,” noting that the entire process from planning to execution was completed in just 30 days, a feat he said was unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history.

“The report highlights our achievements, challenges, and recommendations to strengthen future elections in Rivers State,” Odey said.

With the restoration of elected local government councils, Rivers State is now seen as a model for Tinubu’s broader effort to deepen democracy, strengthen institutions, and promote stability across Nigeria.