Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the state’s 23 local government areas until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The directive, issued during a statewide broadcast from Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening, follows last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which nullified the local government elections conducted by RSIEC. The ruling also recognized the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly.
Fubara mandated the outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025, citing the legal prohibition of caretaker committees in local government administration.
“Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” Fubara stated.
“I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.”
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Acknowledging that his administration disagrees with the court’s verdict, the governor affirmed his commitment to upholding the law.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government,” he said.
He also assured the public that his legal team is reviewing the situation and expects to receive the certified true copies of the judgments by Friday, March 7, 2025, after which his administration will implement them accordingly.
Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm despite the political turbulence.
“Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens,” he said.
