In compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, Governor Siminalayi Fubara directs outgoing local government chairmen in Rivers State to transfer authority to Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs), ensuring adherence to constitutional mandates.
In a decisive move to uphold the rule of law and ensure seamless governance, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has mandated the immediate transfer of authority from outgoing local government chairmen to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs). This directive comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court judgment that nullified the tenure extension of local government officials, emphasizing the need for adherence to constitutional provisions.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has significant ramifications for the administrative structure of local governments in Rivers State. The court declared that the Local Government Law No. 2 of 2024, which purported to extend the tenure of local government chairmen by six months, was inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution and, therefore, invalid. This judgment reinforces the constitutional stipulation that local government officials serve a fixed three-year term, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
“Handover to HLGAs by Monday”
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Fubara addressed the state, expressing his administration’s commitment to the rule of law. He directed that all outgoing local government chairmen formally hand over their offices to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025. This measure ensures that local government operations continue without interruption pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The Governor stated, “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.”
The Governor’s directive has elicited varied reactions from different quarters. The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has raised concerns about potential unrest, alleging that some former chairmen might be plotting to disrupt the peace in the state. ALGON has called on security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the transition process remains peaceful and orderly.
Similarly, leaders of local legislative councils have cautioned against any actions that could destabilize the state. They emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and supporting the Governor’s efforts to maintain peace and order during this transitional period.
The Supreme Court’s judgment and the subsequent directives from Governor Fubara occur against a backdrop of political tension in Rivers State. The rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been a focal point in the state’s political discourse. The court’s decision to reinstate 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and invalidate certain actions taken by the current administration has further complicated the political landscape.
Wike has lauded the Supreme Court’s ruling as a triumph for democracy, asserting that it marks the end of what he describes as a period of impunity in the state. He emphasized that the judgment serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional governance.
Amid these developments, Governor Fubara has appealed to the people of Rivers State to remain calm and continue with their daily activities peacefully. He assured citizens that his administration is committed to implementing the court’s decisions and is focused on advancing good governance. The Governor also indicated that upon receiving the certified true copies of the judgments, his legal team would thoroughly review them to ensure full compliance.
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The RSIEC is now tasked with organizing fresh elections to fill the vacant local government positions. Ensuring that these elections are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law will be crucial in restoring stability and public confidence in the state’s democratic processes.
The recent Supreme Court judgment and Governor Fubara’s subsequent directive highlight the intricate balance between law and politics in Rivers State. As the state navigates this transitional phase, adherence to constitutional mandates and the rule of law remains paramount. The collective responsibility of all stakeholders is to ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld, and that governance continues to serve the best interests of the people.
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