Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has recently announced that Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) will be taking over the 23 council areas in the state, following the conclusion of the elected officials’ three-year tenure.
In a statewide broadcast, Governor Fubara detailed the transition plan, stressing the importance of continuity in leadership and the maintenance of law and order during this period.
The Governor directed the HLGAs to assume control of the councils promptly, urging them to be prepared to serve with renewed energy and await further instructions as they work towards achieving greater success together.
Governor Fubara reassured the public that the constitution would be upheld and that the state government is dedicated to providing leadership and guidance, expressing gratitude to the outgoing elected officials for their service.
As the state moves forward in upholding the constitution and ensuring law and order, Governor Fubara instructed the HLGAs to continue providing leadership in their respective local government areas, acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing chairmen and councillors whose terms officially ended the day before.
Transition challenges have emerged in Rivers State’s local government areas, with Degema and Asari-Toru councils experiencing tension as youths occupied the secretariats, demanding the departure of the outgoing chairman, Michael John Williams.
According to the demonstrators, the chairman’s three-year term had concluded on June 17. At the Asari-Toru Local Government Secretariat, young people blocked the entrance to prevent their chairman and officials from entering the premises. Concerns were high that the escalating tension could escalate into violence in the oil-rich state.
Meanwhile, at the Port Harcourt City Council, four police patrol vehicles were stationed at the entrance to maintain order and prevent any disturbances.
The police made it clear that they would remove those causing trouble, emphasising the need to adhere to the court’s order to maintain the status quo.
Despite this, the chairmen were adamant about staying in their positions, pointing to a court ruling in a case involving the House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule and the three-man House led by Victor Oko-Jumbo. However, Niger Delta activist Asari Dokubo urged the council chairmen to step down, arguing that their terms had expired.
Rivers State was plunged into turmoil after a court order recognised the three-man House of Assembly, which nullified the extension of the chairmen’s terms approved by the 27-member Assembly. Governor Siminalayi Fubara reiterated that the council chairmen must vacate their positions on June 17, asserting that the term extension was unconstitutional.
Despite this, the chairmen maintained that their terms had been prolonged and vowed to continue serving after a High Court ruling in Port-Harcourt confirmed that the 27 lawmakers had not switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Apprehension grew as armed youths, believed to be surveillance workers, were captured in a viral video patrolling the riverine local councils.
Tensions escalated with reports that the governor had submitted the names of seven-man caretaker committees for each council to the Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers for approval.
In another viral video, an unidentified leader of the joint task force on anti-bunkering in the Southsouth region was seen issuing threats of severe consequences.
He mentioned that he returned home with half of his armed men to seize control of the 23 local government areas, expressing his intention to accompany the caretaker committee members to their respective councils.
A confrontation arose between him and the outgoing chairman of the Ikwerre Local Government Area, Samuel Nwanosike, who had previously declared that he would not vacate his position after June 17.
He declared, “We are making preparations and are set to assume control of the local government areas on Wednesday. We will be taking over all 23 local government areas. They should anticipate our arrival. We are on our way.”
He further stated, “We will be providing security for every local government caretaker. My duty is to serve the government and collaborate with them to combat crime. I am involved with the joint task force and oversee anti-bunkering operations in the South.”
The police emphasised the importance of adhering to the Court of Appeal’s order on maintaining the status quo and promising to safeguard lives and properties within the state.
The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, dispatched officers and operatives to oversee the councils, assuring residents of their protection.
He urged parents to discipline their children, cautioning that those found violating the law would be subject to consequences.
Disu advised parents to caution their children against participating in the conflict to prevent them from being exploited.
He reiterated, “As a law enforcement officer, my responsibility is to ensure the safety of lives and property. This is what we have been doing since morning.”
He acknowledged the issues surrounding the tenure of the local government chairmen and the various court orders, including the Court of Appeal’s directive to exercise restraint until the 20th.
Disu emphasised the commitment of the police force to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s residents, stating that officers are working tirelessly to protect lives and property.
He commended the efforts of the officers who have been on duty for the past three days, assuring the public that the police force is well-prepared and equipped to handle any situation that may arise.
Disu issued a warning against individuals who may attempt to take the law into their own hands, urging parents to counsel their children to prevent them from being manipulated during times of crisis. He emphasised the protection of government property and the safety of all individuals within the community.
