JUST IN: Fubara orders administrative chiefs to oversee 23 LGs

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has ordered the state’s 23 council areas to be taken over immediately by the heads of local government administration.

This comes on Monday, June 17, 2024, when the elected local government chairman, vice chairmen, and council members’ three-year terms come to an end.

On Tuesday morning, Fubara issued the order during a countrywide broadcast.

Newsmen on Tuesday had access to a statement that the Chief Press Secretary had sent to Governor Nelson Chukwudi, which included the broadcast.

The governor said, “I wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the law.

“On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.

“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.

“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration to continue to provide leadership in their respective local government areas.

“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together. ”

The governor pledged to protect the state’s citizens and supply them with necessities.

He added, “I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.

“Once again, I thank you, my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity.

On Monday, some young people from the Degema and Asari-Toru local government districts of the state took control of the council headquarters after the local government chairmen’s terms ended.

In order to prevent security breaches, there was also a strong security presence in the Obio/Akpor LG and the Port Harcourt City LG.

As everything was going on, Obarilomate Ollor, the departing chairman of Eleme LG, cautioned those who were keen to remove him from office not to approach the council because they would face resistance.