HLGAs To Take Over As Fubara Orders LGA Chairmen To Handover
Bianca Iboma and Katherine Abayomi
The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the heads of local government administration (HLGAs) to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). He directed the outgoing local government Chairmen to formally hand over the levels of power to the Heads of local Government Administration on Monday, March 3, 2025.
On Sunday evening, Gov Fubabra made this known in a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, stating that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) would conduct fresh elections. This directive follows the recent Supreme Court ruling, which nullified the local government elections conducted by RSIEC and recognised the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Citing the illegality of caretaker committees in local government administration, Fubara emphasized the necessity of his decision.
“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately assume leadership of the 23 councils pending fresh elections,” the governor stated.
“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.
Despite expressing disagreement with the Supreme Court ruling, Fubara affirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the law.
“We are all aware of the Supreme Court’s recent judgments regarding the ongoing political disputes in our state. Although we disagree, we are bound to comply as a law-abiding government,” he said.
“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.”
“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.”
The Governor calls on the people and citizens of the state to remain calm and carry out their lawful activities as the government continues to do everything in its power to advance good governance to the Citizens.
