Fubara Orders LG Heads to Take Over from Sacked Chairmen

Governor Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control following the Supreme Court’s verdict sacking elected chairmen. Read more on the unfolding political development in Rivers State.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to promptly take charge of the 23 local government councils within the state.

Fubara stated that the HLGAs will manage the LGs’ affairs until new elections are organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

The governor also directed the outgoing local government chairmen to officially transfer their responsibilities to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.

The highest court invalidated the elections held on October 5, 2024, that brought in the new chairmen.

In a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Governor Fubara addressed the Supreme Court’s ruling. He explained that this measure was essential because of the elimination of caretaker arrangements within Nigeria’s local government system.

Fubara stated, “Moreover, with caretaker arrangements now prohibited in the local government system, I instruct the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume control of the 23 local government councils immediately. This will be effective until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.”

I instruct the outgoing local government chairmen to officially transfer their authority to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3rd, 2025.

Although the governor disagreed with the court’s decision, he stressed that his administration would adhere to the ruling as a law-abiding government.

He stated, “We are all familiar with the recent Supreme Court decisions and statements concerning elements of the ongoing political conflicts in our beloved State.”

While we do not agree with the judgments, as a law-abiding government, we are obligated to comply with the orders issued.

Since our inception, we have managed governmental affairs in accordance with the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law.

Although we are not immune to mistakes due to our humanity, we firmly believe that, as a government, we have not intentionally acted against the rule of law or violated the sacred principles of constitutional governance.

Therefore, I met with my team of lawyers, and they assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments might be available to them by Friday, March 7th, 2025.

“I guarantee that once we receive the certified judgments, we will thoroughly examine their implications and implement them without hesitation to advance the State.”

Governor Fubara encouraged the citizens and residents of Rivers State to stay calm, go about their daily activities peacefully, and have confidence that the government would diligently strive to provide good governance for the benefit of all.