Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced that the presidential mandate to restore democratic governance in the state has been achieved. This follows the successful conduct of local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across the 23 local government areas.

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) presented a comprehensive report on the elections to Ibas at the government house in Port Harcourt. Ibas stated that the presidential directive, which aimed to stabilise the state, re-establish its institutions, and return Rivers State to full democratic governance, has been fulfilled. He praised the RSIEC for organising a fair, credible, and transparent process.

The RSIEC Chairman, Mike Odey, described the election as a “historic achievement” for Rivers State and Nigeria. The report covered the entire electoral process, from notice to announcement of winners, and outlined achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future elections. Odey credited the success to collaboration with political parties, civil society, and security agencies.

The election was conducted within 30 days, an unprecedented record in Nigeria’s electoral history. Ibas assured that the RSIEC report would be reviewed, with a government white paper to follow. He expressed appreciation to his team, security agencies, and state officials for their collaboration.

The state of emergency was imposed in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, due to a political crisis between the state governor, Sim Fubara, and Martins Amaewhule’s camp. However, President Bola Tinubu has since reconciled the parties, meeting with them at the Presidential Villa in June. The resolution of the crisis has paved the way for the restoration of democratic governance in the state.

The successful conduct of the local government elections marks a significant step towards stabilising the state and re-establishing its institutions. The next steps will involve the implementation of the RSIEC’s recommendations and the continued collaboration of stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of democratic governance in Rivers State.