- By Kamil Opeyemi
Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has ordered the Heads of Administration of each of the local government areas in the state to takeover the affairs of the councils pending next directive.
Fubara had, in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday also gave his farewell admonitions wishing them success in their feature endeavors.
It would be recalled that there has been palpable tension in the state since Monday following the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen and Councillors.
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt had voided the Local Government law as repelled by the State Assembly elongating the tenure of the LGA chairmen by six months.
Therefore, some youths had taken over the LGA secretariats insisting that the LGA and Councillors would not be allowed to resume on Wednesday. This was as the police in the state have declared their readiness to bring under control any issues that may arise as a result of the tenure expiration of the LGA chairmen.
However, in his broadcast, the governor commended the elected LGA Chairmen and Councillors for their dedication in service to the state, thanking them for successfully completing their term.
He said: “I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17” 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.
In directing the Heads of Administration to take control of the councils, Fubara said, “
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 vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.
“I assure you, my good people of Rivers State that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.”