Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume control of the state’s 23 local government councils following the Supreme Court’s judgment nullifying the last local government elections.
In a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, Fubara directed outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025. He stated that the move was necessary due to the legal prohibition of caretaker committees in local government administration.
“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 said.
The Supreme Court ruling, delivered last Friday, also recognized the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly.
Although expressing disagreement with the judgment, Fubara assured that his government would abide by the court’s decision. “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,” he said.
The governor added that his legal team is awaiting the certified true copy of the ruling, expected by March 7, 2025, after which his administration will fully study and implement it.
Despite the political turmoil, Fubara urged Rivers residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully. “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.
