Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the leadership of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. This comes after the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors on June 17, 2024.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Fubara commended the outgoing elected LGA chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for their dedication and commitment to public service. He thanked them for successfully completing their term and wished them well in their future endeavors.
The governor’s directive comes amidst tension in the state following the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen and councillors. A Rivers State High Court had earlier voided the Local Government law that sought to elongate the tenure of the LGA chairmen by six months.
Some youths had taken over the LGA secretariats, insisting that the LGA chairmen and councillors would not be allowed to resume on Wednesday. However, the police in the state have declared their readiness to bring under control any issues that may arise as a result of the tenure expiration.
In his broadcast, Governor Fubara assured the people of Rivers State that his administration would continue to defend them, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and undiluted welfare service packages for all.
He directed the HLGAs to take charge of the councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve, pending further directives. The governor’s move is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining law and order in the state.
