Desist from disrupting peace in Rivers, PDP tells ex-LG chairpersons

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the immediate past LG chairpersons in Rivers to desist from any conduct “capable of disrupting the peace” in the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP spokesperson, said the former LG chairpersons ought to vacate their positions since their tenure has expired.

“The PDP, therefore, counsels the former Rivers State Local Government Council Chairmen to desist from any action that may constitute disruption in local government administration in the state,” the statement reads.

On Tuesday, Siminialayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, asked the heads of local government administration to immediately assume control of the 23 council areas of the state.

Despite the governor’s directive, some of the former LGA chairpersons reportedly attempted to resume duty at the council secretariat, but they were chased away by youths.

The development sparked political tension in Rivers as residents protested at some of the LGA secretariats in the state.

Police officers fired multiple shots into the air to disperse protesters at the various LGA headquarters.

On Wednesday, Fubara swore in new caretaker committee chairpersons in the 23 LGAs in the state.

The ceremony was held at the government house in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Wednesday morning.

The party called on the people of Rivers to remain calm and law-abiding and continue to work together for the continued stability and peace of the state.

THE RIVERS LGA CRISIS

In April, the Rivers assembly passed the local government amendment bill into law despite Fubara’s refusal to give his assent.

The amendment empowers the lawmakers, via resolution, to extend the tenure of elected chairpersons of LGAs and councillors, where it is considered impracticable to hold elections before the expiration of their three-year term in office.

The Rivers assembly said the amendment was to ensure that LGA elections were conducted before the expiration of the administration.

Fubara declined assent to the bill, but the assembly vetoed his decision.

However, a court judgment nullified the amendment to the local government law.

The judgment was appealed, and the appeal court is expected to deliver a ruling on June 20.

The 27 house of assembly members had said they would resist attempts by Fubara to install caretaker chairpersons in the 23 LGAs.