The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the 23 local government chairmen in the state to formally hand over activities to the heads of local government administration pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Mr Fubara gave the directive in a statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, in response to the Supreme Court judgement which nullified the elections conducted in October 2024.
According to him, the directive became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria.
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.”
The governor said that although his administration disagrees with the judgements, it is bound to obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government.
“We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgements and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.
“Although we disagree with the judgements, 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.”
Mr Fubara regretted that the pronouncements of the court have returned the state back to trying times.
He said, “Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.”
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