Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesdsay, directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to assume leadership roles following the expiration of elected Chairmen’s tenures.
The directive, delivered during a statewide broadcast deepened the crisis in the state as the majority of council chairmen, most of whom are loyal to former governor, Nyesom Wike, vowed to stay in office.
The announcement, accompanied by a statement from Chief Press Secretary Nelson Chukwudi, followed the lapse of the three-year tenure of the elected chairmen on Monday, June 17.
Governor Fubara emphasised the need to maintain law and order while providing continued leadership and direction for the state’s residents.
He 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.”
The governor’s directive came amidst reports of youth occupation at council headquarters in Degema and Asari-Toru LGAs immediately after the chairmen’s tenures ended.
“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) 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,” Fubara.