The Rivers State Government has announced a public lecture as part of the transition from emergency administration to democratic rule.
According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, the lecture, themed “Democracy and Good Governance”, will hold on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Port Harcourt, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Guests are expected to be seated by 9:30 a.m.
The special guest at the event will be Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, who has served as the Administrator of Rivers State since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared emergency rule in March 2025.
Ibas Declares Presidential Mandate Fulfilled
At a ceremony on Friday night where the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) submitted its comprehensive report on the recently concluded local government elections, Ibas declared that the mandate given to him by President Tinubu had been “sufficiently achieved.”
“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear: to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for the re-establishment of its institutions, and return Rivers State back to full democratic governance,” Ibas said.
“With the successful conduct and swearing-in of local government chairmen and their councils, I believe we have decisively achieved the mandate that we were given.”
He commended RSIEC for conducting what he described as a fair, credible, and transparent election, adding, “For once, an election was conducted where nobody was harassed, where people went out freely to express themselves and to select whom they wanted as their leaders. This is a testament to the peaceful and enabling environment we have collectively fostered.”
The Administrator said his administration would review the RSIEC report and issue a government white paper. He thanked security agencies, civil servants, and his team for their cooperation, noting that “this is what it takes to build nations.”
RSIEC Presents Election Report
Presenting the report, RSIEC Chairman, Dr. Mike Odey, described the election as a “historic achievement.” He said the document detailed the entire process, including notices, stakeholder engagement, polling, collation, and announcement of results.
“The report highlights our modest achievements, our challenges, and provides key recommendations that will strengthen future elections in Rivers State,” Dr. Odey said.
He stressed that the Commission acted within the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission Law of 2018 (as amended) and worked closely with political parties, civil society, and security agencies.
Odey expressed gratitude to the Administrator for “adequate and sufficient” funding that enabled the Commission to deliver the polls.
“In the history of election management in Nigeria, be it national or sub-national, no institution has ever organised, coordinated, conducted, and supervised a complete electoral process within a period of 30 days. With all modesty, I have no regrets in stating this fact for the record,” he declared.
Thanksgiving Service Urges Unity
On Sunday, an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt, formed part of the official transition events. In his remarks, Ibas urged residents to move beyond divisions and embrace unity.
“By God’s grace, and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have walked through those difficult days together,” he said.
“The survival and relative stability we enjoy today is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.”
He appealed to politicians to “shed their swords,” warning that “no political victory or personal gain is
worth the blood of any Rivers citizen.”
He also called on youths not to be used as instruments of violence but to focus on building a peaceful state.
The Administrator expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, his team, and the people of Rivers State for their support.
“On this Thanksgiving Day, I thank God Almighty for His mercy. I thank Mr. President for his leadership and unwavering support. I thank every Rivers man and woman for their patience, support, and understanding through the last six months,” he said.
The sermon, delivered by Pastor Barasin Ogan of the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, centred on the theme “Grateful Heart.” Pastor Ogan echoed the Administrator’s call for reconciliation and cooperation, urging citizens to let go of bitterness and work together for progress.
Scripture readings were taken by Prof. Ibibia Worika, while prayers were offered for the Administrator, government officials, and the continued peace of Rivers State.
