Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.
This development is part of a larger political saga that has been unfolding in Rivers State, particularly concerning local government administration and legislative authority.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, under tight security. According to Vanguard, the first batch of 11 caretaker chairmen took their oaths of office during this event.
The appointment of these caretaker chairmen followed Governor Fubara’s submission of the list to the state House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, the day before the swearing-in. The lawmakers had arranged to screen the nominees early on Wednesday morning, signaling a swift legislative process.
The appointed caretaker chairmen are as follows:
– Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
– Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
– Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
– Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs
– Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
– Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
– Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
– Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
– Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
– Emouha LGA – David Omereji
– Etche LGA – John Otamiri
– Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
– Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
– Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
– Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
– Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
– Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
– Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
– Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
– Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
– Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip
– Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
– Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
This swearing-in occurs against the backdrop of a significant political conflict in Rivers State. Months earlier, the Rivers State Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill, a controversial piece of legislation that Governor Fubara did not sign. However, the Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, overrode his veto. The law aimed to give the Assembly the power to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councillors in situations where elections could not be held before the end of their three-year terms.
A court later nullified this amended law, leading to an appeal. The Court of Appeal is scheduled to deliver its ruling on this matter on June 20, 2024. This ruling could have significant implications for the governance and political landscape of Rivers State.
