Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ibas, the Administrator of Rivers State, has instructed the newly appointed administrators of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to exercise financial prudence.
He also implored them to prioritize the welfare of the people and work diligently to ensure that the benefits of good governance, which foster trust, sustainable development, and peace, are widely experienced.
He gave this directive during a meeting with the appointed administrators at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The administrator shared that he served Nigeria for over 40 years with a spotless record in the military and diplomatic corps, and was in retirement when he received his current appointment.
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Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibas explained that he accepted the position out of a conviction that the best must always be provided to ensure progress and realize the state’s significant potential.
“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,” he said.
“And so I went about trying to identify a few individuals from which on the 7th of April 2025, I selected those seated here today as administrators of the 23 Local Government Areas.”
Ibas emphasized to the newly appointed administrators the significant responsibility of their positions and urged them to approach their duties with the understanding that local government is the level of government closest to the people.
He stressed that it serves as the primary means through which the government directly impacts the lives of citizens in their homes, communities, and daily lives.
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Specifically, Ibas directed them to concentrate on areas such as sanitation and environmental management, primary healthcare, the welfare and discipline of local government civil servants, primary education, and youth engagement, noting that their performance in these areas would be assessed in the coming weeks.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Ibas emphasized that the public has high expectations and deserves to know that their leaders are honest, selfless, and committed to creating a better future for everyone.
He stated that these expectations necessitate that the administrators maintain good conduct, act fairly, and prioritize collaborative efforts to ensure effective policing within their respective councils, thereby enhancing the safety of lives and property.
Ibas emphasised: “Let me state it unequivocally clear here, this administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse office or misuse of public funds or trust. The resources allocated to our local government must be used strictly for the purposes intended. So that there might be accountability and value for money for every project executed, every policy implemented, and every kobo spent. The people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is being used, and it is your duty to give proper account and value.
“To this end, we will work out the necessary modalities to monitor and ensure good compliance with the principles of due processes, transparency, and zero tolerance for financial recklessness across all local government councils,” he added.
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