The Executive Governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the outgoing local government chairmen to officially hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, March 3, 2025.
Fubara also directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to take over the administration of the 23 local government areas.
This is pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).
Fubara gave the directive during a recent statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt, in response to the Supreme Court judgment.
This is the first time the governor will be speaking since the Supreme Court judgment that nullified the state LG elections conducted by RSIEC, and recognized the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers at the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly.
The governor stated that the measure became imperative as a result of the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system in Nigeria.
Fubara said: “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.”
The governor added that although his administration disagrees with the judgments, it must obey the orders made therein by the court as a law-abiding government.
He said: “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear state.
“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 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.”
