RSIEC certifies winners of Rivers council polls

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on Monday presented Certificates of Return to 23 Local Government chairmen and 319 councillors elected in the recently concluded council elections across the state.

Speaking during the issuance ceremony in Port Harcourt, RSIEC Chairman, Mr. Michael Odey, congratulated the elected officials and urged them to justify the trust placed in them by their constituents.

He also called on any aggrieved candidates to seek redress through legal means, stressing the importance of maintaining peace and upholding the rule of law.

Representing the newly elected chairmen, Mr. Alwell Ihunda, Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA), expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, for creating an enabling environment for a peaceful and credible election.

Ihunda also praised security agencies for their professionalism and commitment to ensuring a smooth, hitch-free electoral process.

In separate interviews, some of the newly elected chairmen reiterated their commitment to grassroots development.

Mr. Lucky Otuo, Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, pledged to promote human capacity development and run an inclusive administration.

Similarly, Mr. Chukwu Ogbogu, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, said his priority would be youth empowerment and infrastructural development.

The peaceful conclusion of the elections and the official issuance of certificates signal a fresh chapter in local governance across Rivers State.