Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) in all the 23 local government areas in the state to take over the administration of the local governments in the state with immediate effect.
The governor’s directive follows the expiration of the tenure of elected local government chairmen in the state.
The three-year tenure of local government chairmen in the oil-rich state expired on June 17, 2024.
There have been controversies over the tenure of the LGA bosses due to the chasm between Governor Fubara and his predecessors, Mr. Nyesom Wike. Many of local government bosses are supporters of Mr. Wike and had vowed never not to relinquish their positions quoting a law promulgated by the sacked leadership of the state House of Assembly.
Announcing the expiration of the tenure of the LGA chairmen, Governor Fubara thanked all of them for their service to the state.
He full statement reads:
My fellow Rivers people
I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration.
I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and indeed Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.
Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.
Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of our progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.
I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.
I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors.
As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.
Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby
directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.
assure you, my good people of Rivers State that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound
healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.
Once again, I thank you my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity.
Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all.
Happy Salah Holiday.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria