Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the 23 council areas of the State.
This comes after the expiration of the statutory three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors on Monday, June 17, 2024.
The council chairmen had threatened to remain in office beyond the expiration of their tenure, relying on a law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly which extended their tenure by six months.
However, in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, Governor Fubara directed that the heads of administration at the various councils should assume duty immediately.
Governor Fubara said: “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 to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.
“Heads of Local Government Administration are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together,” he stated
The governor also lauded the outgoing LGA chairmen for their service over the last three years and wished them well in their future endeavours.
“I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors 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 Rivers 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.