Tension in Rivers as Local Government Chairmen’s Tenures Expire Tomorrow

The tenure of local government chairmen, their deputies, and councillors in Rivers State is set to expire on Monday, sparking tension and a potential crisis across the state. This development is part of a broader political turmoil that has stalled the democratic process needed to fill these imminent vacancies.

The majority of the outgoing local government officials, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office beyond their mandated term. In May, 21 chairmen, under the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and led by Allwell Ihunda, declared in Port Harcourt that they would not vacate their positions in June.

Dr. Iraatus Awoto, the Legal Adviser of ALGON and Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, defended their stance by citing a newly amended state law. The amendment, passed without the assent of the state Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara by the Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, ostensibly allows the chairmen to remain in office for an additional six months until elections are conducted.

However, the State High Court recently ruled this amendment unconstitutional, declaring the six-month extension invalid. This ruling was the result of a lawsuit filed by the chairmen of Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro local government areas.

Despite the court’s decision, some chairmen, including Samuel Nwanosike of Ikwerre Local Government Area and Dr. Chidi Lloyd, have insisted they will not vacate their offices. They argue that the new law, despite being nullified, should be upheld to avoid a governance vacuum.

Amidst growing tension, Speaker Martins Amaewhule announced that the House would not accept any caretaker committee arrangement from the Governor, asserting that such a move would be unconstitutional. Governor Fubara, through his Commissioner for Information, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, emphasized that the current officials must vacate their positions, as the constitution prohibits retrospective laws.

Supporters of Governor Fubara, under the Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide (SCSW), have demanded that the chairmen step down and urged the Governor to appoint caretaker committees to manage the local governments temporarily.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, indicated that special security arrangements might be implemented to prevent potential clashes as the situation unfolds.