The newly sworn-in chairman of Khana Local Government Area in Rivers State, Dr. Bariere Thomas, has reaffirmed his commitment to peace and security in the area.

He emphasised that his administration will prioritise practical governance that directly impacts lives, focusing on tangible results rather than mere promises.

Thomas emphasised that peace and security are vital for meaningful development, highlighting his government’s efforts to ensure residents’ safety.

He spoke during the inauguration of the Khana Legislative Assembly with a strong message to the newly sworn-in councilors to stay close to their people and deliver on their campaign promises.

The event took place on Tuesday, September 2 2025, at the Khana Local Government Council Secretariat in Bori.

The colourful ceremony was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs, party stalwarts, and community stakeholders, as well as family members and supporters of the newly sworn-in councillors, who thronged the venue in large numbers to witness the historic occasion.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and optimism, as residents expressed hope that the new legislative session would usher in greater development for Khana.

In his address, Thomas emphasised that the mandate given to the lawmakers by their constituents was to represent them faithfully and legislate for the overall development of their Wards and communities.

He warned against the recurring trend where councillors abandon their communities after elections and relocate to the state capital, Port Harcourt, thereby becoming inaccessible to the very people they pledged to serve.

“Our people must not be cut off from their representatives. You campaigned in the villages and communities, promising to be available and work with them. Now is the time to put your talk into action. Governance is about the people, and you must be present with them to understand their needs and make laws that will address them,” Thomas said.

The chairman expressed gratitude to the people of Khana for their unwavering support of his administration and assured them that his team is determined to deliver on its promises. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining Khana’s image as one of the most peaceful and violence-free local government areas in Rivers State.

Thomas noted that with the cooperation of relevant security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders, the council will not allow criminals or cultists any breathing space in Khana. “No criminal will have a free day or moment in Khana. We have done it before, and we will do even more this time to protect our people and communities,” he vowed.

He further called on the people to continue supporting and praying for his administration, pledging that with collective effort and renewed dedication, Khana will achieve greater peace, unity, and development.

The inauguration also saw the election of the Leader of the 10th Legislative Assembly, as the 19 councillors unanimously chose Hon. Albright Gobari Deebom, representing Ward 13, to lead the House. His election was met with loud applause, with members describing him as a unifying figure capable of galvanising the legislature to work in harmony with the executive for the progress of Khana.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Deebom pledged to provide purposeful leadership and ensure that the legislature under his watch remains focused, disciplined, and committed to making laws that will positively impact the lives of the people. “This mandate is not for me alone but for all of us collectively as representatives of the Khana people. We have a duty to work with the chairman and the executive arm to make sure our local government becomes a model of development in Rivers State,” he declared.

He continued: “We will not betray the trust our people have given us. As lawmakers, we will create laws that address education, health, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, and economic growth, because these are the urgent needs of our communities. We want the people to remember the 10th Assembly as one that worked for them, supported them, and brought government closer to their lives.”

Other councillors who spoke at the ceremony expressed their willingness to set aside personal interests and work together for the overall development and wellbeing of the local government. They pledged to leave a legacy of service and an impression that future generations of Khana people will remember, emphasising that the trust placed in them by the electorate is a duty that must not be betrayed.