Rivers Caretaker Chairmen Commence Dissolution of Standing LGA Committees

In a swift move following their recent inauguration, the newly appointed caretaker committee chairmen for local government areas in Rivers State have started performing their official duties despite lacking access to their respective local government secretariats.

On Thursday morning, most of these chairmen announced the dissolution of all standing committees in their various local government areas. This action follows directives from the state Governor during their inauguration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, urging them to avoid violent confrontations and to operate from any suitable locations within their councils.

Due to security concerns and an ongoing police presence at council secretariats—following violent clashes on Tuesday that resulted in the deaths of a policeman and a vigilante group member—some chairmen resorted to unconventional venues for their activities. These included customary courts and hotels.

David Omereji, the Chairman of Emohua, inaugurated members of his caretaker committee at the Customary Court in Rumuji, citing his inability to access the local government council secretariat. Similarly, Promise Reginald, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Omuma Local Government Area, dissolved all standing committees, including those overseeing revenue, petroleum taskforce, sanitation, motor parks, and other ad hoc functions established by the previous administration. Reginald mandated the immediate handover of all council property by the affected persons to the office of the chairman.

In Asari Toru Local Government Area, CTC Chairman Orolosama Peter Amachree ordered the dissolution of all appointments, committees, and task forces established by the previous administration. He emphasized the need for the transfer of all council properties to the office of the chairman and announced an economic empowerment program targeting 50 individuals, each receiving a startup capital of ten million naira to support their entrepreneurial ventures. “Asari Toru Local Government is poised for progress and prosperity under the leadership of Orolosama P Amachree,” he stated.

Similarly, in Obio-Akpor, Caretaker Committee Chairman Amb Ihunwo Chijioke announced the dissolution of all standing committees, including those related to revenue, sanitation, and motor parks. Chijioke directed affected individuals to return all council property to the chairman’s office and warned companies operating in the area against dealing with unauthorized persons. He also directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute impersonators.