How I Appointed LG Administrators, "So, I went about trying to identify a few individuals", — Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas

 

In a decisive move aimed at enhancing governance at the grassroots level, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has unveiled his newly appointed administrators for the 23 local government areas. The appointments, announced during a formal meeting held at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, were presented as a direct response to the urgent need for stronger leadership at the local level.

The retired naval officer, who assumed administrative responsibilities in the wake of a federal proclamation, stated that his decision was informed by on-the-ground assessments conducted across several council areas. These visits, he said, revealed systemic challenges that could only be addressed through the delegation of leadership roles to capable individuals.

“Since resuming this assignment, I have taken time to visit a few local government areas,” Ibas explained. “Those visits afforded me the opportunity to interact with local government civil servants, and it became abundantly clear that I would require support to efficiently manage the entire state, particularly the local councils now under my purview.”

According to Ibas, the burden of executing the presidential mandate to stabilize Rivers State and restore democratic order is one that cannot be shouldered alone. Consequently, after a rigorous selection process, he appointed administrators on April 7, 2025, entrusting them with the responsibility to act in his stead across the 23 LGAs.

During the meeting, Ibas delivered a stern message underscoring the seriousness of their assignments. He reminded the newly appointed officials that the administration will not condone any form of recklessness, fiscal indiscipline, or betrayal of public trust.

“This administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office, or misuse of public funds or trust,” he declared. “The resources allocated to our local governments must be used strictly for the purposes they are intended. There must be accountability, transparency, and demonstrable value for every kobo spent.”

He went on to outline priority areas for the administrators, calling for swift and focused attention on issues such as sanitation, environmental control, healthcare delivery, education, youth development, and improved working conditions for local government staff. Ibas noted that these core sectors would serve as benchmarks for assessing their performance over the coming weeks.

In addition to service delivery, the Sole Administrator emphasized the importance of character and leadership integrity, warning that any deviation from the principles of good governance would not be tolerated under his watch.

“You bear the sacred responsibility to ensure that the affairs of your respective councils are managed with the utmost care, respect, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people,” he said.

To ensure adherence to best practices, Ibas revealed that a monitoring framework would soon be instituted to track financial prudence and administrative compliance across all the councils.

“We will develop and implement modalities to closely monitor all council activities to ensure strict compliance with financial guidelines, administrative discipline, and overall good governance,” he noted.

Addressing the administrators directly, he described their appointments as both a privilege and a significant duty, urging them to rise to the occasion. “Recognize the historic nature of your roles,” he added. “Help me deliver on the mandate given by Mr President—to restore peace and stability in our dear state and pave the way for a return to democratic institutions.”

The latest development signals a new chapter in Rivers State’s governance structure, as Ibas moves swiftly to bring cohesion and administrative order to a region recovering from political upheaval. His strong emphasis on accountability, public service, and effective grassroots leadership could mark the beginning of a redefined relationship between the state’s leadership and its people.