The Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas of the state to assume leadership of the local councils, as he (Fubara) asked the ougoing council bosses to leave immediately.
Penpushing reports that Fubara gave the directive in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 chairpersons of the councils said to be loyalists of the immediate past Governor Nyesom Wike.
The Governor who has been as loggerhead with his predecessor over power tussle in the state declared that the transfer of power to the administrators was critical to ensuring the continuity of governance in the local government areas.
“The heads of administration are directed to immediately take charge of the councils and provide leadership in their respective local government areas. They must do this with renewed vigour and readiness to serve, while awaiting further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together’, he stated.
The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must be upheld and law and order must be maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people’, the Governor said.
Penpushing further reports that he eulogised the former chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for their dedicated service during their tenures, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the development of their local government areas.
The Governor in same vein reassured the residents and citizens of the state that his administration would persist in delivering infrastructure, quality healthcare services, education and enhanced welfare packages for the residents and workers of the state.
Penpushing also reports that contrary to the Governor’s order the outgone chairmen have vowed to remain in office after June 17, 2024, citing a law enacted by 27 pro-Wike lawmakers extending their tenure by six months.
The Chairman of the Rivers State Association of Local Council Chairmen, Allwell Ihunda alongside his colleagues have dared the Governor insisting that they would not relinquish their positions, emphasizing that any attempt to remove them from office would be resisted.
Penpushing reports that in another development angry youths reportedly stormed some of the local council secretariats, which include Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Andoni council offices calling for the ousting of the council chairmen, and equally locked the gates
The Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu,in reaction to the development said steps had been taken to prevent a breakdown of law and order, adding that the command was aware of an attempted invasion of the council offices and had deployed personnel to forestall any chaos.
“We are aware of the crises and court orders, but we urge restraint till 20 June (when the Appeal Court will deliver judgment on the local government tussle). We expect everyone to await the decision of the court. No one should take the laws into his or her hands. We have deployed operatives to various strategic locations to uphold order and ensure public safety. So, we are performing our duties’, he emphasised.
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