The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume leadership of the state’s 23 council areas following threats by outgone chairmen loyal to ex-Gov. Nyesom Wike to stay on.
This move comes after the three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councilors ended on Monday, June 17, 2024.
On Tuesday morning, Fubara made the announcement in a statewide address, which his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, later disseminated through a statement.
Persecondnews recalls that youths in Degema and Asari-Toru Local Government Areas occupied the council headquarters on Monday, following the expiration of the local government chairmen’s tenure.
The governor 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, the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the 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 endeavors.
“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 reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of the state’s citizens, promising to continue protecting their interests and providing essential services and infrastructure to improve their quality of life.
He 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.”
Obarilomate Ollor, the outgoing chairman of Eleme Local Government, issued a stern warning to those attempting to forcibly remove him from office, vowing that they would face resistance and advising them to stay away from the council premises.
In the meantime, security forces have been deployed in Port Harcourt City and the Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas to maintain order and prevent potential security threats.
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