Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed the heads of local government administration to immediately take over management of the 23 local government areas while the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission conducts new elections.
The governor also asked the outgoing local government chairmen to formally transfer over to the Heads of Local Government Administration on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Fubara issued the command in a nationwide broadcast from Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening, in response to the Supreme Court decision.
This is the governor’s first speech since last Friday’s Supreme Court decision, which annulled the RSIEC-conducted state LG elections and recognized the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 legislators in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The governor noted that the measure became necessary because caretaker arrangements were made illegal in Nigeria’s local government system.
Fubara stated, “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
“I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.”
Fubara stated that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government.
Fubara further said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law.
“While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
“Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgments may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.
“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward.”
The governor regretted that, with the court’s pronouncements, the state appears to be back in difficult times, but he quickly urged the people and residents of the state to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities while the government continues to do everything in its power to advance good governance to the citizens.
He said, “Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.”
