Fubara swears in 23 LGA caretaker committee chairmen in Rivers

Siminialayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, has sworn in new caretaker committee chairmen in the 23 LGAs in Rivers state. 

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

The governor had earlier sent the names of caretaker committee chairpersons to the house of assembly for screening.

The new caretaker committee chairmen are are Madigai Dickson (Abua/Odual LGA), Happy Benneth (Ahoada East LGA), Daddy Green (Ahoada West LGA), Otonye Briggs (Akuku Toru LGA), Reginald Ekaan (Andoni LGA), Orolosoma Amachree (Asari Toru LGA), and Alabota Anengi Barasua (Bonny LGA).

Others are Anthony Soberekan (Degema LGA), Brain Gokpa (Eleme LGA), David Omereji (Emohua LGA), John Nkugbo (Etche LGA), Kenneth Kpeden (Gokna LGA), Darlington Orji (Ikwere LGA), Marvin Yobana (Khana LGA), Chijoke Ihunwo (Obio/Akpor LGA), Princewill Ejekwe and (Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA).

They also include Evans Bipi (Ogu/Bolo LGA), Princess Ogan (Okrika LGA), Promise Reginald (Omuma LGA), Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Opobo/Nkoro LGA), Ogogo Philip (Oyigbo LGA), Ichemati Ezebunwo (Port Harcourt LGA), and Matthew Dike (Tai LGA).

The three-year tenure of the elected chairpersons, vice chairpersons and councillors of the LGAs ended on Monday.

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

However, 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.

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 of 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 will resist attempts by Fubara to install caretaker chairpersons in the 23 LGAs.