Rivers State is bracing for a political showdown as the three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen comes to an end today, June 17, 2024.
The milestone has sparked a heated crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The feud has led to a divided State House of Assembly, with 27 members supporting Speaker Martin Amaewhule and four members backing the Leader of the House, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
A recent Appeal Court ruling upheld a lower court’s decision, restraining Amaewhule’s group from acting as lawmakers and nullifying their legislative actions, according to Channels TV.
Despite the court’s decision, Amaewhule and his colleagues have vowed not to accept a list of caretaker committee members, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Governor Fubara.
The governor has hinted that the council chairmen’s days in office are numbered, and political observers expect him to announce new chairmanship appointments for the 23 local government areas.
The situation in Rivers State is tense, with many anticipating how the political drama will unfold in the coming days.
