The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has issued Certificates of Return to the 23 chairmen and councillors-elect who won in their various local government areas (LGAs) in the August 30, 2025, LGA elections.
The certificates were presented to the winners at the RSIEC office in Port Harcourt by the commission’s Chairman, Michael Odey.
During the ceremony, Odey congratulated the winners and advised them to honour the trust that had been reposed in them by the people.
He urged aggrieved contestants to seek redress through legal means, emphasising the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Odey assured that the commission would conduct a post-mortem analysis of its performance to identify areas for improvement. “We will carry out a post-mortem of our performance to learn from our mistakes for a better process next time,” he said.
He said, “Today is a proud moment for our democracy. On behalf of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission(RSIEC), I warmly welcome you to the presentation of the certificate of return to the candidates duly elected in the local government elections on 30th August.
“Let me emphasise, sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people. These certificates of return are mandates for service. To our duly elected chairmen and councillors, govern with humility, transparency and within the law. Be leaders of all, supporters and non-supporters. Winners-take-all politics have 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 certificate of return to the elected chairmen and councillors of the local government council.”
