There is uneasy calm in Rivers State following a directive by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to immediately take charge of the 23 council areas.
Governor Fubara gave the charge in a statewide broadcast in Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning following the expiration of the statutory three-year tenure of the elected LGAs chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors on Monday, June 17.
He said: “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 include 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 endeavours.
“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.
“I 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.”
The council executives, who are believed to be loyal to former governor and incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have vowed not to vacate office, thereby setting the stage for a showdown.
A viral five minutes, seven seconds video clip, reportedly taken last Saturday, showing scores of armed men crossing a creek into the state has further heighten tension.
In the viral clip, leader of the group, whose name could not be ascertained at press time, had declared that they were back from the river ahead of Wednesday, to eject council chairman that refuse to vacate office.
Ahead of the imminent showdown, scores of youths were spotted in some of the local government headquarters, chanting that the chairmen should go.
In Degema Local Government Area and Asari-Toru LGA (ASALGA), some youths opposed to the elongation for the tenure of the council chairmen had occupied the headquarters, vowing not to leave the secretariats until Wednesday, when work would resume after the public holiday declared by the Federal Government to mark the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Ahad.
At the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA) and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday, there was security beefup to forestall breakdown of law and order.
Reacting to the development Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, had warned trouble-makers to shun any planned violence emphasising that anyone found doing so would face the full wrath of the law.
He appealed to parents to caution their wards against getting involved in the crisis, warning that they should not be used as “cannon fodder.”
