I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.
In anticipation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission holding new elections, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued an order to the Heads of Local Government Administration, instructing them to immediately assume control of the administration of the 23 local government areas.
Fubara stipulated that the departing chairmen of local governments must formally hand over their responsibilities to the Heads of Local Government Administration by the deadline of Monday, March 3, 2025.
In response to the decision made by the Supreme Court, Fubara issued the command during a broadcast that was televised throughout the entire state from Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
Since the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday, which declared the state local government elections held by RSIEC to be invalid and recognized the 27 members led by Martin Amaewhule at the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly, this would be the first time the governor will be addressing since the ruling last Friday.
As a result of the caretaker arrangements being made illegal in the Nigerian local government system, the governor indicated that the critical nature of the move became apparent.
He said, “Furthermore, 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.
“I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.
“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.
“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
“While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
“Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.
“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward.”