The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially handed out Certificates of Return to the 23 newly elected local government chairmen and 319 ward councillors across the state.
The elected officials, who emerged from the August 30, 2025 council polls, received their certificates on Monday in a brief but symbolic ceremony.
Addressing the gathering before presentation, RSIEC Chairman, Michael Odey, said the certificate was more than just proof of victory — it was a call to service. He described the occasion as a proud moment for Nigeria’s democracy and urged the winners to embrace humility and transparency in their leadership.
Odey further reminded the officials that local governance should not be about a “winner-takes-all” mindset, but about collective responsibility to the people. He applauded the roles played by community leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations, and the media in ensuring the process was peaceful and credible.
He also called on those dissatisfied with the outcome to channel their grievances through proper legal means, while assuring that RSIEC will conduct a post-election review to strengthen future exercises.
