Rivers governance reform agenda takes shape as Ibas charges new boards on integrity, professionalism, and electoral credibility to stabilise institutions

The Rivers governance reform agenda gained renewed momentum on Monday as the State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), inaugurated four critical boards and commissions with a strong charge to restore integrity, discipline, and professionalism across key institutions.

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Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas declared that only through a renewed commitment to competence and democratic accountability could Rivers State rebuild its institutions.

He made this statement during the inauguration of the reconstituted Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and the Primary Health Care Management Board.

“Your mandate is to help deliver on the Rivers governance reform agenda. It is a responsibility that demands fairness, transparency, and an unshakable resolve to serve the public,” he said.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, the administrator warned that any board that falls short would be held accountable for poor performance.

To the RSIEC team, Ibas underscored the centrality of credible elections in rebuilding public trust.

“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace and grassroots governance,” he said.

Addressing the Civil Service Commission, the administrator called for an end to mediocrity and urged the board to prioritise digital reforms, merit-based recruitment, and standardised promotion systems.

“The civil service must transition from favouritism to competence. You will oversee reforms across ministries to restore professionalism and consistency,” he added.

The new team is already set to roll out extensive training programmes and digital transformation initiatives aimed at overhauling the entire public sector framework.

For the Local Government Service Commission, Ibas urged a commitment to professionalism and non-partisanship, noting that local councils remain the closest arm of governance to the people.

“Reforms must insulate the system from politics. You are to drive merit-based recruitment and enforce operational standards,” he stated.

Turning to healthcare, the administrator tasked the Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalising basic health delivery in the state’s 23 local government areas.

“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable system. Your board must ensure that facilities are functional, properly staffed, and responsive to the needs of mothers, children, and the underserved,” he declared.

Ibas stressed the need for data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and a revival of the referral system to enhance access and efficiency.

The new RSIEC is chaired by Dr Michael Ekpai Odey, with Prof Arthur Nwafor and Prof Joyce Akaninwor among its members.

Dr Livinus Bariki heads the Civil Service Commission, while Mr Isreal Amadi leads the Local Government Service Commission.

The Primary Health Care Board is chaired by Dr Dawari George, with Dr Chituru Adiele as Executive Director and Prof Kaladada Korubo as a member.

The administrator reminded all appointees that their allegiance must be to the people, not personal interest.

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“This is a chance to rewrite the story of our institutions. The Rivers governance reform agenda is not a slogan; it is a pathway to public service renewal and the protection of democratic values,” he said.