There is apprehension in Rivers State as the governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the outgoing chairmen in the 23 local government areas to hand over to the administrative heads of their respective councils.
The directive followed the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected council chairmen and councillors on Monday.
They were sworn into office during the administration of the current minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state, Mr Nyesom Wike.
In a broadcast on Tuesday the governor said: “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,” he said.
He congratulated the outgoing chairpersons and councilors on completing their tenure and wished them well in their future endeavours.
“I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17” of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Rives 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.”
“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.”
Recall that a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt had voided the local government law as repealed by the Martins Amaewhule-led lawmakers elongating the tenure of the chairmen by six months.
The court also set aside all legislative actions taken by the lawmakers and barred the governor from implementing them.
Dissatisfied by the court’s decision, Amaewhule who leads 25 pro-Wike lawmakers asked the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt to vacate the high court’s order, but the appellate court declined and ordered parties to maintain the “present status quo” pending the determination of the appeal.
