Category News

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has inaugurated the newly reconstituted boards of key commissions in the state, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

He charged members of the agencies to uphold discipline, competence, integrity, and a commitment to service.

Other commissions whose members were inaugurated include the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board.

The members were nominated by the administrator and screened by the National Assembly following the emergency rule in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony on Monday at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas emphasised that the effectiveness of the commissions was vital to stabilising governance, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting good governance in the state.

Addressing the newly sworn-in chairman and members of RSIEC, Ibas stressed the need for credible local government elections that genuinely reflected the people’s will.

“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,” he added.

He reminded them that RSIEC’s independence was critical to sustaining peace, grassroots governance, and stability, urging fairness, professionalism, and impartiality even under pressure.

To the state civil service commission, the administrator called for an end to mediocrity in public service, advocating merit-driven recruitment, capacity-building, and promotion practices.

“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.

He revealed that comprehensive training and systemic reforms were already in motion.

The state local government service commission was tasked with professionalising the local government system.

“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 added.

For the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Ibas highlighted the need to revitalise primary healthcare services across the 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, immunisation, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.

He stressed the need for data-driven management, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring a functional referral system.