Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has inaugurated new caretaker chairpersons for the 23 local government areas within the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the capital city, amidst heightened security measures.
According to reports from Channels Television, the initial group of 11 Caretaker Committee (CTC) chairpersons are presently taking their official oath of office.
This development follows the submission of the list to the State House of Assembly, overseen by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, a day earlier.
Channels Television further noted that the lawmakers summoned the nominees for vetting, commencing as early as 8 am on Wednesday.
See the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara below:
- Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
- Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
- Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
- Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs
- Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
- Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
- Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
- Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
- Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
- Emouha LGA – David Omereji
- Etche LGA – John Otamiri
- Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
- Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
- Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
- Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
- Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
- Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
- Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
- Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
- Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip
- Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
- Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
Rivers LG Crisis: The Genesis
The recent development further complicates the ongoing political turmoil in the state, emerging months after the Rivers Assembly ratified the Local Government Amendment Bill.
Despite Governor Fubara’s refusal to endorse the bill, the legislators, spearheaded by Martin Amaewhule, bypassed his objections.
The legislation granted the Rivers State Assembly the authority to prolong the terms of council chairpersons, their deputies, and councillors in instances where holding elections within their standard three-year mandate is impracticable.
However, a court invalidated the revised statute, prompting an appeal. The appellate court is scheduled to render a verdict on June 20, 2024.
Amidst the discord regarding the elongation of local officials’ terms, Rowland Sekibo and Onengiyeofori George of Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru local government councils respectively advocated for calm following demonstrations by youths who blockaded the secretariats on Monday.
They maintain that their tenure was legitimately extended by the assembly under Amaewhule’s leadership.
Fubara Gets Backing
However, on Tuesday, a group of youths hailing from the Ijaw community congregated outside the Port Harcourt Local Government Area Secretariat in a show of support for Fubara’s directive.
Under canopies, they engaged in singing, dancing, and proudly waved flags representing the Ijaw Youth Congress. Some members prominently displayed placards bearing messages of solidarity for Fubara, all while surrounded by a significant security presence.
Police Warn Troublemakers
Earlier, law enforcement authorities in the oil-rich region issued a stern warning against any disruptive behavior, emphasizing their readiness to take decisive action.
Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, Olatunji Disu, addressed the public from the police headquarters in Port Harcourt, assuring residents of their safety. He urged politicians and their followers to abide by legal processes and refrain from instigating unrest until the court’s ruling.
However, Disu firmly stated that the Rivers Police Command stands prepared to swiftly intervene should anyone attempt to disturb the peace in the South-South state.