Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGA) across the state’s 23 local government areas to compile and submit detailed reports on their councils’ activities.
This directive follows the appointment of these HLGAs by suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Their reports are to be submitted to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, ensuring a structured review of local governance operations.
A formal communication outlining this requirement, dated March 24, 2025, was issued by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. Signed by Permanent Secretary Itong Awani, the letter was obtained by journalists on Wednesday.
The document, titled “Re: Submission of Report of the Activities of Your Councils”, specifies that local government heads must provide comprehensive details on their councils, including key administrative functions, staffing structures, and revenue sources.
Reports must be submitted no later than Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and should follow an outlined template that includes:
Introduction/Preamble
Council Functions
Staffing Breakdown (Nominal Roll)
Revenue Sources
Projects (Ongoing & Completed for the Last Two Years)
Council Achievements
Challenges Faced
Recommendations
Conclusion
The directive underscores the urgency of compliance, emphasizing that submissions will be reviewed at the Government House in Port Harcourt for necessary follow-up actions.
This mandate comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the 2024 Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) local government elections. In response, former elected local government chairpersons were directed by Governor Fubara to hand over control to HLGAs, pending further developments.
Meanwhile, ahead of the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Sole Administrator, RSIEC had already set August 9, 2025, as the date for fresh local government elections after consultations with political parties and key stakeholders.
As the political and administrative landscape in Rivers State continues to evolve, this latest move signals efforts to streamline governance, ensure accountability, and prepare for the upcoming elections.