Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has instructed Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take charge of the 23 council areas of the state.
This comes on the heels of the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors on Monday, June 17, 2024.
The directive was given by Fubara in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday morning.
The broadcast was captured in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.
Fubara said, “I wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors who were elected and sworn in three years ago and whose tenure expired yesterday, June 17, 2024, as provided for by law.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.
“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld and that law and order are 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 vowed to continue to defend the people of the state and provide basic amenities for them.
Fubara added, “I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.
“Once again, I thank you, my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress, and prosperity.
Following the expiration of the tenures of the state’s local government chairman, several youths from the Degema and Asari-Toru LGs took control of the council buildings on Monday.
In addition, there was a large security presence in the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Obio/Akpor LGA to deter security breaches.
Meanwhile, Eleme LG’s outgoing chairman, Obarilomate Ollor, has cautioned those seeking to remove him from office not to approach the council, as they will be rebuffed.
