There is a palpable tension in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to assume leadership of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Fubara bid farewell to the outgoing chairmen, wishing them success in their future endeavors, as reported by Vanguard.
This latest political crisis in the oil-rich state had begun since Monday due to the expiration of the elected chairmen and councillors’ tenure.
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt had previously voided a State Assembly law passed by the Martins Amaewhule extending the tenure of LGA chairmen by six months.
MUK TV reports that the law states that in a situation where the Governor fails to conduct the LGA elections, the House shall by a resolution extend the tenures of the LGA Chairmen in the state.
Consequently, some youths had occupied LGA Secretariat, preventing the chairmen and councillors from resuming on Wednesday.
The police in Rivers State have expressed readiness to manage any issues arising from the tenure expiration.
In his broadcast, Governor Fubara commended the outgoing LGA Chairmen and Councillors for their dedication and service.
“I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law. On behalf of the Government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State. I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors,” Fubara said.
The governor then directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of their respective LGAs.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas. Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together. I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.”
