The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, has presented Certificates of Return to chairmen and councillors-elect across the state following the August 30 local government elections. A total of 23 chairmen and councillors received their certificates during a ceremony at the commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, congratulated the winners and urged them to govern with humility, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. He advised aggrieved candidates to seek redress through lawful means, stressing that the commission would conduct a post-election review to strengthen future electoral processes.
Odey reminded the newly elected officials that sovereignty rests with the people, and their legitimacy would depend on the quality of their leadership. He emphasised that the certificates represented a mandate for service, urging them to embrace inclusive governance rather than a “winner-takes-all” approach.
Speaking on behalf of the new chairmen, Port Harcourt City LGA chairman, Alwell Ihunda, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Rivers State Administrator Ibok Ette Ibas, and security agencies for their roles in ensuring a smooth and peaceful election.
