By Prince Wiro
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara says has directed the Head of Local Government Administration in each council Area to take over the affairs of the twenty -three LGAs in the state following the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria last Friday,28th February,2025 which invalidated the LGAs election held on 5th October 2024 and sacked the 23 elected Chairmen and 319 Councillors.
Governor Fubara gave the directive on Sunday,March 2nd,2025 in a state wide broadcast.
Governor Fubara said the heads of Local Government administration will take charge and conduct affairs of the councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Governor Fubara said: “I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday 7th March, 2025.
“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.
“Furthermore, given the outlawing of Caretaker arrangements in the Local Government system, I herebydirect the Heads of Personnel Management 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.
“I further direct the outgoing Local Government Chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Personnel Management by Monday, 3rd March 2025.”
He stated that since inception, his administration has conducted the affairs of government within the framework of the constitution, due process and the rule of law.
The Governor noted with regrets the trying times the State has been plunged but urged everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities and be sure that his administration will continue to do everything in meeting their aspirations.
Governor Fubara clarified: “Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our constitution, due process and the rule of law.
“While we are not above mistakes because we are human, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberate to trample on the rule of law or the hollowed principles of constitutional governance.”
Governor Fubara assured: “Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.”