The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Retired) Ibok-Ete Ibas, has charged newly appointed board members to uphold the highest standards of discipline, competence, integrity, and unwavering dedication in their service to the state.
Vice Admiral Ibas emphasised that such commitment is vital to stabilising governance, restoring democratic institutions, and promoting good governance in Rivers State.
He gave the charge while inaugurating the reconstituted 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.
Restore democratic integrity: charge to RSIEC
Addressing the RSIEC Chairman and members, Vice Admiral Ibas highlighted their critical role in ensuring credible local government elections that reflect the people’s will.
“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level. You must resist bias, favouritism, and external interference while restoring public confidence in the electoral process. 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,” he said.
Civil service reforms: a call for meritocracy
To the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, the Administrator stressed the need to eliminate mediocrity and foster a culture of excellence through merit-based recruitment, training, and promotions.
“The civil service must transition from favouritism to competence, integrity, and accountability. Your commission will lead reforms, including digital transformation and standardised practices across ministries, departments, and agencies,” he said.
He disclosed that extensive training programmes are underway, with a committee set up to overhaul the public service framework for greater efficiency.
Strengthening grassroots governance
Vice Admiral Ibas tasked the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission with promoting professionalism and discipline in local government administration.
“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,” he stated.
Revitalising primary healthcare for better outcomes
The Administrator charged the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board with revitalising 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, immunisation, malaria control, and community health services,” he said.
He added that the board must adopt data-driven operations, provide incentives for rural health workers, and restore the referral system to improve healthcare access.
Commitment to accountability and support
Vice Admiral Ibas assured the boards of sustained government support, including funding, for the effective discharge of their mandates but warned they would be held accountable for their performance.
Composition of the boards
RSIEC: Dr Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman), with Prof Arthur Nwafor, Prof Joyce Akaninwor, and others as members.
Civil Service Commission: Dr Livinus Bariki (Chairman), Amb Lot Egopija, Mrs Maeve Bestman, and others.
Local Government Service Commission: Mr Isreal Amadi (Chairman), Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), Dr Tonye Pepple, and others.
Primary Health Care Management Board: Dr Dawari George (Chairman), Dr Chituru Adiele (Executive Director), Prof Kaladada Korubo, and representatives from key ministries.
The Administrator urged the new appointees to embrace their roles with diligence, patriotism, and a commitment to transforming Rivers State through service excellence.
PIAK