Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has inaugurated new boards for key commissions, including the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), urging members to uphold discipline, competence, and integrity.

Other inaugurated bodies include the Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and Primary Health Care Management Board.

Speaking at the ceremony held Monday at Government House, Port Harcourt, Ibas stated that these institutions are essential to stabilising governance and rebuilding public trust amid the ongoing emergency rule. All board members were nominated by Ibas and screened by the National Assembly.

Addressing the RSIEC team, the administrator stressed the need for free, fair, and credible local elections.

“Your task is clear but demanding: to conduct elections that reflect the people’s will. Resist bias and external pressure. The independence of your actions is vital,” he said.

Ibas called on the Civil Service Commission to spearhead reforms in recruitment, training, and digital transformation across ministries and agencies.

“The service must shift from favoritism to merit, accountability, and competence,” he added.

He tasked the Local Government Service Commission with professionalising grassroots governance by implementing merit-based recruitment and standards enforcement.

For the Primary Health Care Board, he emphasised revitalising primary healthcare across all 23 LGAs, particularly in areas of maternal health, immunisation, and rural outreach.

“Primary healthcare is the bedrock of a functional health system,” he said, calling for data-driven oversight, rural incentives, and referral system reforms.

Ibas pledged sustained funding and support but warned that performance and accountability would be strictly monitored.