Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), says he has fulfilled the assignment handed to him by President Bola Tinubu to restore grassroots democracy and stabilise governance in the state.

Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday during the submission of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report, Ibas noted that the local government elections and the swearing-in of new council chairmen and councillors signaled the completion of his mandate.

He recalled that Tinubu had tasked him in March 2025 with re-establishing state institutions, creating stability, and returning Rivers to democratic rule after months of political tension.

“With the conduct of free local government elections and the inauguration of elected officials across the 23 LGAs, the president’s directive has been effectively carried out,” the retired naval chief said.

Ibas commended RSIEC for what he described as a transparent and peaceful process, adding that the exercise allowed citizens to vote without intimidation. He assured residents that the government would study the commission’s report carefully and release a white paper to guide future electoral processes.

RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, while presenting the report, described the polls as unprecedented in Nigeria’s history, stressing that they were organised and concluded within just 30 days. He added that the document captured achievements, challenges, and recommendations that could further strengthen the state’s democratic process.

Ibas also expressed gratitude to security agencies, his team, and state officials whose efforts, he said, made the exercise a success.