Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed an immediate audit of local government accounts in the state, amidst a deepening political crisis.
The move comes as Fubara swore in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas on Wednesday, at a ceremony held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The development follows the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen in the state, with former council chairmen refusing to vacate their offices.
The situation has led to heightened tensions and clashes in some areas, resulting in the deployment of police to maintain order.
Fubara’s decision to appoint new caretaker chairmen and audit local government accounts is seen as a bid to assert his authority and restore stability in the state.
The political crisis in Rivers State continues to unfold, with the outcome of the audit and the new caretaker chairmen’s tenure keenly watched by stakeholders.
Fubara’s communication to the assembly was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday night by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West, amid a renewed political crisis in the state, as former council chairmen have refused to vacate their offices after their tenure expired, according to Channels TV.
Here is the list of caretaker chairmen nominated by the governor: 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, and Tai LGA – Matthew Dike.