Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, on Tuesday, directed all Heads of Local Government Administration, in the State’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to take charge of councils starting today, June 18.
The directive follows the expiration of the tenure of the 23 Local Government Areas Chairmen on Monday.
Earlier on Monday, youths in Degema and Asari/Toru LGAs occupied their respective council secretariats in protest against the extension of the tenure of the LG chairmen.
The youths were seen in viral videos on social media chanting solidarity songs in support of those Fubara is expected to appoint to manage the local councils on a temporary basis.
The outgoing LG chairmen, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, had their tenure extended by an amended Local Government Law Number 5 of 2018 by the faction of the State House of Assembly headed by Martins Amaewhule.
However, the extension was nullified by a Rivers State High Court ruling on May 21, 2024, which declared the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 as inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.
Despite the court’s ruling, the chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Samuel Nwanosike, has vowed to remain in office.
In a broadcast on Tuesday morning, Governor Fubara instructed the Heads 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.”
Fubara commended the outgoing LGA Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councilors for their dedicated service to their respective communities.
He congratulated them on the successful completion of their tenures and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Fubara who emphasized that the directive was in accordance with the law and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, assured that the administrative vacuum left by the departing LGA Chairmen is promptly filled.
READ ALSO: Youths Storm LG Secretariat, Protest Chairmen’s Tenure Extension In Rivers
Governor Fubara reassured the people of Rivers State of his commitment to their welfare, pledging to continue defending their interests and providing infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and comprehensive welfare services for all residents and workers.
He expressed gratitude for the continued support of the people for his administration and affirmed his commitment to working collaboratively to build a brighter and better future for all.
See full speech below:
My fellow Rivers people
1. I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration.
2. I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and indeed Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.
3. Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.
4. Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of our progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.
5. 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 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.
5. 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.
7. I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10.1 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.
11. Once again, I thank you my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity.
12. Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all.
13. Happy Salah Holiday.
14. God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
