The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) concluded a significant chapter in the state’s political landscape on Monday, August 30, 2025, by issuing certificates of return to the newly elected local government officials. 23 chairmen-elect and 319 councillors-elect, triumphant from the Saturday local government area elections, received their official mandates, marking the culmination of a democratic process deemed peaceful, credible, and orderly. RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the weight of the certificates as not just symbols of victory, but as solemn commitments to serve the people. He lauded the collective efforts of various stakeholders, including community leaders, security agencies, civil society organizations, and the media, for their roles in ensuring the smooth and transparent execution of the electoral process.
Odey’s address resonated with a call for responsible governance, urging the elected officials to embrace humility, transparency, and adherence to the law. He emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, transcending the divisive “winner-takes-all” mentality often associated with political contests. The newly elected officials were reminded that their legitimacy derives from the trust placed in them by the people, and that sustained public confidence would hinge on the quality of their leadership. The chairman also extended an olive branch to aggrieved parties and their candidates, encouraging them to pursue legal and peaceful avenues for redress, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to a fair and just electoral system.
The RSIEC chairman reiterated the commission’s commitment to continuous improvement, promising a post-election review to analyze lessons learned and further enhance their service delivery. This dedication to refining the electoral process underscored the body’s commitment to strengthening democratic practices in Rivers State. Odey’s concluding remarks highlighted the enduring significance of integrity in public office, reminding the elected officials that their mandate was a sacred trust, contingent upon their ability to uphold the highest ethical standards.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow elected officials, Allwell Ihunda, Chairman-elect for Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, expressed gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu for his role in fostering peace within the state. Ihunda, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also commended RSIEC for conducting a credible and peaceful election, a testament to the collective commitment to upholding democratic values. He pledged that the newly elected officials would prioritize delivering tangible benefits of democracy to the grassroots level, echoing the RSIEC Chairman’s emphasis on service to the people.
Ihunda’s acknowledgment of President Tinubu’s contribution to peace in Rivers State underscores the significance of a stable political environment for the successful execution of democratic processes. His commendation of RSIEC for its successful management of the elections further highlights the importance of independent and impartial electoral bodies in ensuring free and fair elections. The commitment expressed by Ihunda to deliver dividends of democracy to the grassroots reinforces the idea that local governance plays a vital role in improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
The successful completion of the local government elections and the subsequent issuance of certificates of return mark a significant step towards strengthening democratic governance in Rivers State. The emphasis on peace, transparency, and accountability throughout the electoral process, combined with the commitment of the newly elected officials to serve the people, sets a positive precedent for future elections and governance in the state. The RSIEC’s commitment to continuous improvement, alongside the pledge of the elected officials to deliver tangible benefits to the grassroots, bodes well for the future of local governance in Rivers State. This democratic exercise signals a renewed focus on the importance of local leadership and its crucial role in shaping the future of the state.
