Tension in Rivers as tenure of LG chairmen ends today

Fubara

.We’re watchers over Rivers’ affairs, not absolute power seekers, says Fubara 

There is palpable tension in Rivers State following controversies around the expiration of the tenure of local councils’ chairmen today.

Findings by The Guardian reveal that some local council heads across the state have packed and exited the council office, while some, who threatened not to vacate their offices, were yet to pack as at press time yesterday.

Recall that the Emohua Local Council boss, Chidi Lloyd, and few others from the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, had vowed not to vacate office after June 17, stating that the tenure of the chairmen had been extended for six months by the state Assembly.

It would be recalled that a state High Court in Port Harcourt had, last month, nullified the tenure extension of the 23 local council chairmen, declaring the Local Government Law No.2 of 2024, which extended the tenure of the chairmen for six months after expiration of their tenure, as invalid.

Also, the Appeal Court, in its ruling last weekend, urged both parties in the matter to maintain the status quo.

However, the camp of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have continued to claim that the Appeal Court directive favours them.

But the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, explained that ‘maintaining status quo,’ as directed by the  Appeal court, entails that  Victor Oko-Jumbo continues to function as the Speaker of the state Assembly, and that the council chairmen would exit office today, June 17.

Meanwhile, Fubara has assured that he will make a difference with the sterling leadership he is providing as a watcher over the affairs of the state, and not as one who merely craves for absolute power to control the people.
The governor explained that those who seek absolute control get obsessed with power, become ruthless and delightfully trample on rights and liberty of people they should ordinarily dedicate themselves to serve.

Fubara said that he will continue to watch over the affairs of the state entrusted in his care with the fear of God, and make Rivers people truly proud of his time of service.