The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, Samuel Nwanosike, has sparked controversy by declaring his intention to remain in office beyond his tenure expiration next month.
Despite a recent court judgment nullifying the Local Government Amendment law, which aimed to extend the tenures of local government chairmen, Nwanosike insists on staying in office.
In a viral video, Nwanosike addressed his constituents, citing the amendment as the “law of Nigeria” and threatening potential successors, saying, “If dem born you well, show your face let me see.”
This stance raises concerns about a potential breakdown of law and order in the state, amid a political face-off between Governor Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, according to Channels TV.
The court judgment, delivered by Justice Diaketima Kio, deemed the tenure extension unconstitutional and non-binding.
Chairmen of Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs had challenged the law, seeking its nullification.
Nwanosike’s defiance of the court ruling has heightened tensions in the state.
He said, “If Martin Amaewhule says that because the governor of Rivers State failed in his duty to conduct Local Government elections, and that I, Dr Nwanosike Samuel Osoruchi, by the oath of office I took and the certificate of return I was issued when I contested my second tenure election, that we should remain in office, so shall we remain in office!”
This latest development fuels fears of a potential breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state arising from the political face-off between Governor Fubara and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
