Rivers Administrator Ibas Commends ‘Peaceful’ Elections

The Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has extolled the peaceful and orderly conduct of Saturday’s local government elections, heralding it as a pivotal stride toward reinstating comprehensive democratic governance at the grassroots level.

Vice Admiral Ibas, who observed the proceedings in multiple local government areas, expressed his satisfaction with the demeanor of voters and election officials, noting that their conduct fostered a tranquil and secure atmosphere for the electoral process.

In his address to reporters in Port Harcourt, the administrator underscored the voter turnout and the tranquility at polling stations as evidence of the Rivers populace’s eagerness to reclaim and actively engage in grassroots governance.

“I am exceedingly pleased with what I have witnessed today. The process has been remarkably peaceful, from the substantial turnout to the orderly conduct of both voters and election officials. I am confident that by the end of the day, we will have a credible set of results that we, as a state, can take pride in,” Vice Admiral Ibas declared.

He revealed that situation reports from across the 23 local government areas corroborated his observations, indicating a largely uneventful exercise.

“Overall, the situation has been calm and seamless across the state. We have not received any significant adverse reports, which attests to the collective aspiration for peace and normalcy,” he added.

The administrator emphasized that the successful conduct of the election signifies the people’s desire to elect leaders with whom they can identify at the local level.

According to him, the outcome aligns with his mandate to stabilize the state and restore it to democratic governance.

“Undoubtedly, all indigenes of Rivers State desire and deserve grassroots leadership they can claim as their own. That is the essence of this process,” he emphasized. “Facilitating this foundational tier of democracy is a core objective of my mandate: to steer the state back onto a stable, democratic course and empower its citizens.”

Among the areas he monitored were communities in Emohua, Ahoada East, and Port Harcourt, where he observed proceedings and engaged with citizens.