Democracy And Public Service Get Boost As Ibas Commissions RSIEC, Civil Service Board In Rivers

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), officially inaugurated the reconstituted boards of key commissions in the state, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), on Monday.

Speaking at Government House in Port Harcourt, Ibas urged the members to uphold discipline, competence, integrity, and a strong commitment to service, according to IREPORTER ONLINE.

The commissions inaugurated also included the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, and the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board. These members were nominated by Ibas and subsequently screened by the National Assembly following the state’s declaration of emergency rule, according to IREPORTER ONLINE.

Ibas stressed that the success and effectiveness of these commissions were crucial to stabilising governance, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering good governance. He particularly addressed the newly sworn-in chairman and members of RSIEC, highlighting the need for credible local government elections that reflect the true will of the people. “Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct free, fair, transparent, and credible elections at the grassroots level,” Ibas said. He emphasized that RSIEC’s independence was crucial to sustaining peace, stability, and grassroots governance, urging the commission to act impartially, fairly, and professionally under pressure.

He also called for reforms in the civil service, advocating merit-based recruitment, capacity building, and promoting competency over favoritism. The state’s Local Government Service Commission was tasked with insulating local government systems from politics and mediocrity. Additionally, Ibas highlighted the importance of revitalising primary healthcare services through the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, underscoring the need for data-driven management and better staffing across the 23 local government areas. According to IREPORTER ONLINE, Ibas assured continued government support to help the commissions fulfil their mandates while stressing accountability for their performance.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”