Rivers LG secretariats under police supervision amidst tenure dispute

Following the conclusion of the terms of the local government chairmen in Rivers State, the police have placed armed agents at the secretariats of four local government councils.

According to Obasanjonews.com, police vehicles are presently stationed at the entrances of the LGAs of Ogu/Bolo, Ahoada East, Port Harcourt City, and Obio/Akpor.

Youths from the LG chairmen’s tenure extension protested earlier by taking over the council secretariats in the Degema and Asari/Toru LGAs.

Viral videos on social media showed the young people chanting songs of solidarity in favour of the people Governor Siminalayi Fubara is anticipated to designate to temporarily lead the local councils.

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The State House of Assembly faction led by Martins Amaewhule modified Local Government Law Number 5 of 2018 to extend the term of the departing LG chairmen, who are loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.

On May 21, 2024, a verdict by the Rivers State High Court deemed the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024 to be in conflict with the 1999 Constitution, thereby nullifying the extension.

Samuel Nwanosike, the chairman of the Ikwerre LGA, has promised to stay in his position notwithstanding the court’s decision.

Two Fubara-loyal LG chairmen from Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro marked the end of their terms with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.

A formal list of Caretaker Committee Chairmen to oversee the individual LGAs after their terms expire has not yet been made public by Fubara.