Breaking: Rivers Gov. Fubara appoints caretaker chairmen for 23 LGAs

The nomination came amid a renewed political crisis in the state, with former council chairmen refusing to vacate their offices after their tenure expired.

Following the expiration of the tenures of elected council chairmen and councillors on Monday, June 17, Rivers State Gov. Siminalayi Fubara has nominated caretaker chairmen for the state’s 23 local government areas.

Summarily, Fubara has sent the list of the caretaker chairmen to the State House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker, Mr. Victor Jumbo, on Tuesday.

The nomination came amid a renewed political crisis in the state, with former council chairmen refusing to vacate their offices after their tenure expired.

Despite the expiration of their three-year tenure on Monday, the council chiefs remained in office, citing the nullification of the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

The Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West, issued a statement on Tuesday night that included Fubara’s communication to the assembly.

The statement indicated that the screening of the nominees will take place on Wednesday, June 19, at 8 a.m.

On Tuesday, the state’s crisis escalated as protesting youths loyal to Fubara dislodged chairmen who refused to leave their offices.

A clash between supporters of Fubara and those of his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, resulted in the death of a policeman at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Area.

On Tuesday evening, police announced the takeover of the 23 council secretariats to stave off further breakdown of law and order.

The full list:

1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson

2. Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth

3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green

4. Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs

5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan

6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree

7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua

8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon

9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa

10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji

11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri

12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden

13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji

14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana

15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo

16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe

17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi

18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan

19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald

20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam

21. Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip

22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo

23. Tai LGA – Matthew Dike