The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has issued Certificates of Return to the 23 chairmen and councillors-elect who won in their various local government areas (LGAs) in the August 30, 2025, LGA elections.

The certificates were presented to the winners at the RSIEC office in Port Harcourt by the commission’s Chairman, Michael Odey.

During the ceremony, Odey congratulated the winners and advised them to honour the trust that had been reposed in them by the people.

He urged aggrieved contestants to seek redress through legal means, emphasising the importance of upholding the rule of law.

Odey assured that the commission would conduct a post-mortem analysis of its performance to identify areas for improvement. “We will carry out a post-mortem of our performance to learn from our mistakes for a better process next time,” he said.

He said, “Today is a proud moment for our democracy. On behalf of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission(RSIEC), I warmly welcome you to the presentation of the certificate of return to the candidates duly elected in the local government elections on 30th August.

“Let me emphasise, sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people. These certificates of return are mandates for service. To our duly elected chairmen and councillors, govern with humility, transparency and within the law. Be leaders of all, supporters and non-supporters. Winners-take-all politics have no place in good governance.

“The candidates who may feel aggrieved, the law provides channels for redress. We encourage the use of lawful and peaceful courses.

“The legitimacy you receive today will be sustained only by the quality of your leadership tomorrow.

“So, by the authority conferred on the commission and having certified all the requirements, we now present certificate of return to the elected chairmen and councillors of the local government council.”

Speaking on behalf of the new chairmen, Alwell Ihunda, the chairman of Port Harcourt City LGA, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Rivers State Administrator, Ibok Ette Ibas, and the security agencies for ensuring a smooth electoral process.

He said: “Today, we are glad to be here and indeed thankful to God Almighty for making today possible in the history of Rivers State.

“On behalf of my colleagues, we want to thank President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace to Rivers State, and also, we thank the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, for facilitating the peace that has been restored in the state. In ensuring that democracy is returned to the local government.

“Therefore, we want to assure the people of Rivers State that, having been elected to represent them in our various Local Governments, we are going to drive the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. And thereby I assure you all that the peace that has been restored will continue through the process that has been trying to lay.”

The newly elected chairmen who received their certificates promised to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. They vowed to prioritise the needs and welfare of their constituents, working tirelessly to promote development and progress in their respective LGAs.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State coalition of political parties commended RSIEC for conducting a crisis-free exercise. The coalition’s praise underscores the commission’s efforts to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process.