In defiance of the order of a Port Harcourt High Court, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) has inaugurated the reconstituted Rivers State Civil Service Commission.
On Monday, the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, barred the Ibas from inaugurating the newly constituted members of Rivers State Civil Service Commission pending the judgment of the court in a suit instituted before it.
Justice Frank Onyiri issued the order after parties addressed and adopted their final written addresses in the suit filed by members of the Rivers State Service Commission appointed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, challenging their suspension by the sole administrator
Also inaugurated by the administrator are the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board
The administrator charged the newly appointed board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the state.
He emphasized that such commitment is critical to stabilizing governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing the principles of good governance in Rivers State.
Addressing the chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas underscored their pivotal role in ensuring credible local government elections that reflect the will of the people.
“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level.
“You must resist bias, favoritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” he stated.
“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance.
“I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism, even in the face of difficult choices.”
To the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, the administrator stressed the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.
“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability.
“Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardized practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.
He disclosed that extensive training programmes are underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.
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Ibas tasked the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission with ensuring professionalism and discipline in local government administration.
“As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity.
“Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery,” he stated.
The administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalizing healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.
“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational focusing on maternal health, immunization, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.
He emphasized data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.
Ibas assured the board of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates, but warned that the boards would be held accountable for their performance.
The newly inaugurated members of the RSIEC are Dr. Michael Odey (chairman) with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.
the Rivers State Civil Service Commission has Dr. Livinus Bariki (chairman), Amb. Lot Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Bestman, and others.
the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission: Mr. Isreal Amadi (chairman), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (rtd), Dr. Tonye Pepple, and others.
Rivers State Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (executive director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.
The administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through service excellence.