RSIEC issues certificates of return to Rivers LG election winners

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially presented certificates of return to the 23 chairmen and councillors who emerged victorious in the recently concluded local government elections.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, RSIEC Chairman Michael Odey congratulated the winners and urged them to honour the trust placed in them by their constituents.

He also appealed to any aggrieved parties to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to unrest or intimidation.

He assured that the commission would conduct a post-mortem analysis of its performance to identify areas for improvement.

He said, “We will carry out a post-mortem of our performance, to learn from our mistakes for a better process next time

“Let me emphasise, sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people. These certificates of return are mandates for service. To our duly elected chairman and councillors, govern with humility, transparency and within the law. Be leaders of all, supporters and supporters. The winner takes it all. Politics has no place in good governance.

“The candidates who may feel aggrieved, the law provides channels for redress. We encourage the use of lawful and peaceful courses.

“The legitimacy you receive today will be sustained only by the quality of your leadership tomorrow.

“So, by the authority conferred on the commission and having certified all the requirements, we now present a certificate of return to the elected chairmen and councillors of the local government council.”

Speaking on behalf of the new chairmen, Alwell Ihunda, the Chairman of Port Harcourt City LGA, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the Rivers State Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas (retd) and the security agencies for ensuring a smooth electoral process.

He said, “Today, we are glad to be here and indeed thankful to God Almighty for making today possible in the history of Rivers State.

“On behalf of my colleagues, we want to thank President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace to Rivers State, and we also thank the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, for facilitating the peace that has been restored in the state. In ensuring that democracy is returned to the local government.

“Therefore, we want to assure the people of Rivers State that, having been elected to represent them in our various local governments, we are going to drive the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. And thereby I assure you all that the peace that has been restored will continue through the process that has been trying to lay.”