Rivers Crisis: Ousted Chairmen Reject Dissolution of Standing Committees

In a recent development, some of the ousted chairmen of Rivers State local government areas have strongly opposed the actions of newly appointed caretaker chairmen, who have moved to dissolve standing committees within their councils.

Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, the ousted chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, criticized the caretaker chairman, Darlington Orji, for lacking the legitimacy to make such decisions. “The announcement from Darlington Orji is entirely false and misleading,” Dr. Nwanosike stated. He emphasized that as the duly elected chairman, he retains full authority over the establishment and dissolution of all committees within the Ikwerre Local Government. “Any such decision must come directly from my office, and no such dissolution has been authorized or communicated by me,” he added. Dr. Nwanosike urged the public to disregard any contrary claims and rely on official communications from his office.

Similarly, Dr. George Ariolu, the ousted chairman of Obio/Akpo, declared that the committees dissolved by the new caretaker chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, remain functional. He pointed out that the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin C. Amaewhule, had extended the tenure of executive chairmen, vice-chairmen, and councillors by six months. This extension is currently the subject of ongoing litigation, with the court ordering that all parties maintain the status quo.

Dr. Ariolu asserted, “Chijioke Ihunwo and his illegal CTC members have, in defiance of the court order and existing laws, announced the dissolution of all standing and ad hoc committees formed by the elected council executive.” He further criticized the caretaker committee’s actions, stating that the Nigerian Constitution does not recognize caretaker governments, making their dissolution of committees formed by elected officials an aberration.

He advised the public to continue engaging with the committees as established by the elected executives of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council and called on security agents to take appropriate notice of this position.