Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), in disregard of a federal high court order, has sworn -in the administrators for the 23 local government councils in the state.
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had slammed an injunction against the appointment of the local government administrators and had summoned the sole administrator to appear before the court to explain why he had to appoint the officials.
However, swearing- in the administrators in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Ibas charged them to be prudent in their financial dealings.
He also urged them to prioritise the well-being of the people and work assiduously to ensure that the benefits of good governance in the promoting trust, sustainable development, and peace are felt adequately.
The administrator told the council administrators that he served Nigeria for over 40 years with an unblemished record of service in the military and diplomatic corps, and was in retirement when the current appointment was made.
He said he accepted the offer to serve Nigeria and indeed Rivers people from a conviction that the best must always be given to ensure progress and the achievement of the great potentials so cherished.
“Since resuming this assignment, I have taken time to visit a few local government areas. Those visits have accorded me the opportunity to interact with local government civil servants and it is clear that I needed help with administering the entire State, which I am responsible for following Mr. President’s proclamation.
“And so, I went about trying to identify a few individuals from whom, on the 7th of April 2025, I selected those seated here today as administrators of the 23 local government areas,” the administrator stated.
Ibas urged them to address their minds to the enormous responsibility of their office and assume duty knowing that the local government is the closest tier of government to the people.
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He described the local government as the primary channel through which the government must necessarily touch the lives of citizens in their homes, in their communities, and in their daily realities.
Specifically, Ibas urged them to focus on issues of sanitation and environment management, primary healthcare, welfare and discipline of local government civil servants, primary education, and youth engagement.
Ibas stated: “I expect you all to recognize this moment in history and rise to the occasion, as impartial leaders who will help me deliver on the mandate given to me by Mr. President to restore peace and stability and work towards returning all democratic institutions in the state.
“Your selection to the important office is not by chance but a recognition of your capacity to lead, your commitment to service, and the trust reposed in you to bring governance closer to the people.
“Therefore, you bear the sacred responsibility, a duty to ensure that affairs of your respective councils are managed with the utmost care, respect, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people.”
He noted that the expectations of the people are high, and they deserve to know that their leaders are honest, selfless, and devoted to building a better future for everybody.
The administrator advised the council administrators against engaging in any form of recklessness, abuse of office or misuse of public funds or trust.
