The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd), Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, has sworn in the newly appointed administrators of the 23 Local Government councils despite protests and court orders.
Ibas charged the administrators to be prudent in their financial dealings and prioritise the well-being of the people and work assiduously to ensure that the benefits of good governance in promoting trust, sustainable development, and peace are felt adequately.
He gave the charge during a meeting with the appointed administrators for the 23 local government areas at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He told them that he served Nigeria for over 40 years with an unblemished record of service in the military and diplomatic corps, and was in retirement when the current appointment was made.
Ibas said he accepted the offer to serve Nigeria and indeed Rivers people from a conviction that the best must always be given to ensure progress and achievement of the great potentials so cherished.
He urged them to be committed to the enormous responsibility of their office and assume duties knowing that the local government is the closest tier of government to the people.
“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.
“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.”
