Rivers Governor Nominates Caretaker Chairmen Amid Political Crisis
Amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has nominated caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas in the state.
This move comes following the expiration of the tenure of the previous local government chairmen, who have refused to vacate their offices.
Governor Fubara transmitted the list of nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Jumbo.
In response, the Assembly has scheduled a screening for the nominees on Wednesday at 8:00 am, as confirmed by a statement from the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West.
The political crisis erupted as outgoing chairmen loyal to former Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, resisted vacating their positions, citing a newly amended Local Government Law.
This law, enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, purportedly extended their tenure by six months due to delays in holding local government elections.
The situation escalated on Tuesday when protests broke out across several local government areas, with youths supporting Governor Fubara demanding the immediate departure of the outgoing chairmen.
Tragically, a policeman was killed during clashes at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Council, highlighting the volatile nature of the crisis.
In response to the unrest, the Rivers State Police Command announced the deployment of officers to secure all 23 council secretariats and other critical government facilities. This action aims to prevent further violence and maintain law and order amidst the political turmoil.
Governor Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast, directed heads of local government administrations to assume control of council affairs pending further directives. He emphasized adherence to the law and denounced any attempts to prolong tenures beyond constitutional limits.
Meanwhile, protests and confrontations continued at various council secretariats, including incidents where outgoing chairmen faced resistance from protesting youths aligned with Governor Fubara.
The Governor’s supporters accused the former chairmen of unlawfully clinging to power, leading to sporadic clashes and disruptions across several localities.
