Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is currently appointing new caretaker chairmen for the state's 23 local government areas. The ceremony is taking place at the Government House in Port Harcourt under strict security measures. It was reported that the first 11 caretaker chairmen were being sworn in. This follows Fubara's submission of the nominees to the state House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, the previous day. The nominees were called for screening early Wednesday morning.
The list of newly appointed caretaker chairmen includes:
- Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
- Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
- Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
- Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs
- Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
- Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
- Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
- Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
- Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
- Emouha LGA – David Omereji
- Etche LGA – John Otamiri
- Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
- Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
- Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
- Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
- Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
- Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
- Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
- Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
- Oyigbo LGA – Gogo Philip
- Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
- Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
This development adds complexity to the political tensions in the state following the passage of the Local Government Amendment Bill. Although Governor Fubara did not sign the bill, the Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, overrode his veto. The bill allows the Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their deputies, and councillors if elections cannot be held before their terms end. However, the amended law was nullified by a court, leading to an appeal with a decision expected on June 20, 2024.
Amidst the ongoing conflict over the tenure extensions, leaders from Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru LGAs have called for calm after youths blocked council secretariats. Meanwhile, some Ijaw youths showed their support for Fubara by gathering outside the Port Harcourt LGA Secretariat with placards, flags, and displays of solidarity.
The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, has urged politicians and their followers to remain peaceful and respect the legal process. He emphasized that the police are prepared to prevent any disturbances in the state.
