RIVERS State Governor Siminalayi Fubara directed the Heads of Local Government Administration in the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to take charge of the area councils on Tuesday, June 18.
The governor gave the order in a statewide broadcast accompanied by a statement by his chief press secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi.
The directive follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected Chairmen on Monday, June 17.
“As we move forward in making sure that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration to continue to provide leadership in their respective local government areas.
“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together,” the governor said.
Youths in Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs occupied both council headquarters on Monday following the expiration of the chairmen’s tenure.
Their actions came after the state’s LGA chairmen disclosed that they would remain in office beyond Monday, citing the Rivers State Local Government Amendment Law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 State House of Assembly members.
This development is believed to be an offshoot of the tension between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as the law was passed by the lawmakers, most of whom are loyal to the former governor, in April.
Fubara refused to sign the law when it was sent to him for assent, but the lawmakers overrode him and passed the bill into law.
The governor had warned the chairmen after the law was passed to vacate office upon the expiration of their tenure, and there was heavy security presence in the state capital, Port Harcourt, on Monday.
Ijeoma Opara is a journalist with The ICIR. Reach her via vopara@icirnigeria.org or @ije_le on Twitter.