The 23 local government units in the state of Rivers have caretaker chairman selected by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The list was forwarded by the governor to the three members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which is chaired by Victor Jumbo.
This is happening in the midst of a resurgent political crisis in the state as a result of the prior council chairmen’s reluctance to leave their positions when their terms expired.
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G.M. Gillis-West, the Clerk of the House, released a statement on Tuesday night stating that the Assembly had invited the nominees to be screened by 8:00 am on Wednesday.
Full list:
1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
2. Ahoada East LGA – Hon. Happy Benneth
3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
4. Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs
5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji
11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri
12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
21. Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip
22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
23. Tai LGA – Hon Matthew Dike
The political crisis in Rivers LG has taken a new turn following the passing of the Local Government Amendment Bill by the Rivers Assembly, which was not assented to by Fubara, leading to a veto by lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule.
The amended law aimed to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and councillors in cases where elections couldn’t be held before the end of their three-year term but was nullified by a court, prompting an appeal set to be decided on June 20, 2024.
Amidst disagreements over tenure elongation, local government council leaders like Rowland Sekibo and Onengiyeofori George called for peace after youth protests, with some supporting Fubara’s stance, while police authorities warned against any disturbances and assured residents of peace in the region.