● Tonye Okurumo
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Navy Commodore Ibok-Ete Ibas, has appointed new administrators to oversee the affairs of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. The development, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant move to stabilize grassroots governance following the recent suspension of elected officials.
According to a statement issued by his media office, the new appointments are part of efforts to ensure continuity in the delivery of essential services across the state. “These appointments are in line with the need to guarantee effective administration at the local government level and maintain law and order,” Ibas was quoted as saying.
In a related development, Ibas appointed Michael Odey as the new Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Odey is expected to lead the process of conducting credible and transparent local government elections in the state. “The state government is committed to restoring democratic structures through a fair and credible electoral process,” the statement noted.
The Administrator also approved the reconstitution of several boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals that were earlier suspended. This move is seen as a step toward revamping the state’s governance infrastructure and accelerating developmental projects. Although specific agencies were not immediately named, insiders suggest the reconstituted boards will soon be made public.
Political observers view these actions as strategic moves aimed at stabilizing the state’s political environment and restoring public trust. “With these appointments, the Administrator has signaled readiness to reposition the state’s governance system for better performance,” said Dr. Amadi Eke, a public affairs analyst based in Port Harcourt. GMTNewsng
