Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has directed the heads of local government administration to assume control of the 23 local government areas right away until the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission conducts new elections.
The governor also instructed the departing chairmen of local governments to formally turn over their responsibilities to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025.
In reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, Fubara issued the order in a statewide broadcast on Sunday night at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Since the Supreme Court’s ruling last Friday, which declared the state LG elections held by RSIEC invalid and acknowledged the 27 lawmakers headed by Martin Amaewhule at the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, the governor will be addressing for the first time.
The governor noted that the step became vital as a result of the prohibition of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria.
Fubara stated, “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.”
According to the governor, his administration must follow the court’s directives as a law-abiding government, even if it disagrees with the rulings.
He further said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.
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“Although we disagree with the judgments, 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 judgments 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.”
The governor regretted that with the pronouncements of the court, the state appears to be back in trying times, but quickly called on the people and residents of the state to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities while the government continues to do everything in its power to advance good governance to the citizens.
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.”
