Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has mandated an immediate transfer of power within the state’s local government system following a recent Supreme Court ruling.
In a statewide address from Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening, Fubara announced that the Heads of Local Government Administration are to take control of the 23 local government areas until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The governor further instructed that the outgoing local government chairmen must formally hand over power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025.
This directive comes in response to the Supreme Court judgment that nullified the state local government elections held by RSIEC and confirmed the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers in the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly.
Explaining the necessity of this move, Fubara pointed out that the measure is a direct consequence of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements within Nigeria’s local government system.
He stated: “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.
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“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.”
While the governor acknowledged his administration’s disagreement with the judgments, he stressed that compliance with the court’s orders is imperative for a law-abiding government.
“We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
“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 humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
“Accordingly, 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.”
Addressing concerns about the potential fallout from the court’s pronouncements, the governor urged calm and continuity among the citizens. He advised residents to maintain their daily routines while the government works diligently to uphold good governance.
Fubara concluded: “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.”
With these decisive measures, Governor Fubara seeks to stabilize the local government administration and steer the state forward amidst ongoing political challenges.
Source: Ripples
