Port Harcourt, Nigeria — Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has officially sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas. The ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt under heightened security measures.
The initial batch of 11 caretaker chairmen took their oaths of office during the event. This development follows closely after Governor Fubara submitted the list of nominees to the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, just a day prior. The Assembly had promptly scheduled a screening session for the nominees early Wednesday morning.
Here are the appointed caretaker chairmen:
- Abua/Odua LGA: Madigai Dickson
- Ahoada East LGA: Happy Benneth
- Ahoada West LGA: Mr. Daddy John Green
- Akuku Toru LGA: Otonye Briggs
- Andoni LGA: Reginald Ekaan
- Asari Toru LGA: Orolosoma Amachree
- Bonny LGA: Alabota Anengi Barasua
- Degema LGA: Anthony Soberekon
- Eleme LGA: Brain Gokpa
- Emouha LGA: David Omereji
- Etche LGA: John Otamiri
- Gokana LGA: Kenneth Kpeden
- Ikwerre LGA: Darlington Orji
- Khana LGA: Marvin Yobana
- Obia/Akpor LGA: Chijioke Ihunwo
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA: Princewill Ejekwe
- Ogu/Bolo LGA: Evans Bipi
- Okrika LGA: Princess Ogan
- Omuma LGA: Promise Reginald
- Opobo/Nkoro LGA: Enyiada Cookey-Gam
- Oyigbo LGA: Gogo Philip
- Port Harcourt LGA: Ichemati Ezebunwo
- Tai LGA: Matthew Dike
This move by Governor Fubara adds another layer to the ongoing political tension in the state. This comes months after the Rivers State Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill into law, which Governor Fubara did not sign. Instead, the Assembly, under Martin Amaewhule, overrode his veto.
The amended law grants the Assembly the authority to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their deputies, and councillors when elections cannot be conducted before the end of their three-year terms. However, the law was nullified by a court, prompting an appeal. The Court of Appeal is expected to rule on this matter on June 20, 2024.
