Administrator of Rivers, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
By Dianabasi Effiong
The Administrator of Rivers, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has charged the newly appointed Board members in the state to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the state.
Ibas gave the charge while inaugurating the reconstituted boards for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board at Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday.
According to him, such commitment is critical to stabilising governance, restoring democratic institutions, and advancing the principles of good governance in Rivers State.
He also urged the Chairman and members of RSIEC to ensure credible local government elections that would reflect the will of the people. Of the state.
“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. You must resist bias, favoritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
“The independence of your actions is crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance. I urge you to act with fairness, impartiality, and professionalism— even in the face of difficult choices.”
Similarly, he urged the board members of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.
“The civil service must transition from favoritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.
He said that extensive training programmes were underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.
Ibas also tasked the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission with ensuring professionalism and discipline in local government administration.
He said, “As the closest tier of government to the people, you must drive reforms that insulate the system from politics and mediocrity. Your mandate includes merit-based recruitment, training, and enforcing standards for effective service delivery.”
The Administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board to revitalise healthcare delivery across the state’s 23 local government areas.
“Primary healthcare is the foundation of a sustainable health system. Your board must ensure facilities are adequately staffed, equipped, and operational focusing on maternal health, immunization, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.
He emphasised data-driven operations, incentives for rural health workers, and restoring the referral system to improve healthcare access.
The Administrator also urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through service excellence.
Ibas assured the Boards of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned that the boards would be held accountable for their performance.
The newly inaugurated members for RSIEC included Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman) with Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.
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Civil Service Commission: Dr. Livinus Bariki (Chairman), Amb. Lot Egopija, Mrs. Maeve Bestman, and others.
Local Govt. Service Commission: Mr. Isreal Amadi (Chairman), Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Dr. Tonye Pepple, and others.
Primary Health Care Board: Dr. Dawari George (Chairman), Dr. Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof. Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.
