We’re Laying Foundation for Good Governance in Rivers, Claims Ibok-Ete Ibas

Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to instituting a robust framework for good governance aimed at transforming the public service and ensuring sustainable development across the state.

Speaking at the opening of a four-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop in Port Harcourt, Ibas stated that his administration is focused on strengthening institutions and promoting efficient, result-driven public service delivery.

“This administration is committed to building strong institutions, promoting efficiency, and fostering a results-driven public service. We are laying the foundation for a culture of good governance—one that will serve not just the present generation but also those to come,” Ibas declared.

The workshop, held in collaboration with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), brought together Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, and Directors from various ministries and agencies in Rivers State.

The initiative is designed to equip key government officials with the skills and vision necessary for leading effectively in today’s dynamic governance landscape.

Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of NIPSS, lauded the Rivers State Government for taking proactive steps to address leadership gaps in the public sector.

“This course is meticulously designed to bridge leadership gaps and equip participants with contemporary strategies for collaborative governance and institutional reform,” Omotayo said.

Admiral Ibas was appointed as Sole Administrator of Rivers State on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The move came amid intense political instability and rising insecurity, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

Since taking office, Ibas has focused on restoring order, rebuilding confidence in the state’s administrative machinery, and laying the groundwork for long-term stability and prosperity.

Dr. Iyingi Brown, the Acting Head of Service of Rivers State, also addressed the participants at the workshop, urging them to take full advantage of the training to enhance public service delivery.

“This training is another step in empowering our workforce with the knowledge and vision needed to lead with integrity. Engage actively, share experiences, and apply these insights to drive measurable improvements in service delivery,” she encouraged.

With political leadership in transition and the state’s institutions under scrutiny, the Rivers State administration under Admiral Ibas is making efforts to reposition governance structures for resilience and accountability.

The current leadership training is part of a broader reform strategy intended to institutionalize excellence, transparency, and innovation in public administration.

Observers note that while Rivers State is undergoing a period of administrative reconfiguration, initiatives like this underscore a commitment to building a legacy of good governance beyond the emergency period.