CurrentReport Blog In a significant development following the expiration of the tenure of local government (LG) chairmen in Rivers State, armed police operatives have been stationed at the secretariats of four key local government areas (LGAs). Police vans are currently positioned at the entrances of the Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ahoada East, and Ogu/Bolo LGAs to maintain order and security.
This deployment comes amid heightened tensions and protests. Earlier, youths in the Degema and Asari/Toru LGAs occupied their respective council secretariats. These protests were in response to the controversial extension of the LG chairmen’s tenure, with the youths seen in viral social media videos chanting solidarity songs. Their demonstration reflects support for anticipated appointees by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who is expected to name temporary managers for the local councils.
The controversy stems from an earlier extension of the LG chairmen’s tenure by the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule. This extension was facilitated through an amendment to the Local Government Law Number 5 of 2018. However, this move was overturned by the Rivers State High Court on May 21, 2024, which declared the extension, encapsulated in the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024, as inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution.
Despite the court’s ruling, some outgoing LG chairmen, notably Samuel Nwanosike of Ikwerre LGA, have expressed their intent to remain in office. Nwanosike’s defiance underscores the factional loyalties within the state’s political landscape, as many of the outgoing chairmen are aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Conversely, other LG chairmen, particularly from Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro, have accepted the end of their tenure. These chairmen, who are loyal to Governor Fubara, recently marked their departure with a thanksgiving service, indicating their support for the impending new administration.
As the state awaits Governor Fubara’s announcement of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen to manage the affairs of the LGAs, the current situation remains tense.
