Palpable tension has accompanied govenor Siminalayi Fubara’s directive to Local Government chairmen in Rivers State, to handover to head of administration in the 23 council areas.
Fubara gave the directive in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday morning, hours after the three-year tenure of the elected chairpersons, vice chairpersons and councillors ended.
Apprehension began to build after hundreds of youths stormed Dageme, Asari Toru, and Akuku Toru Local Government Areas, calling for the chairpersons to leave office.
“I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration. I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers state and indeed Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one,” Fubara said in the address.
“Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.
“Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks. I also 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 Rives 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 (HLGAS) 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.”
