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Fubara Swears in New LG Chairmen

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Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sworn in newly elected chairmen following local government elections held on Saturday. The governor declared that Rivers State has now entered a season of transformation, with an emphasis on delivering democratic dividends to the people.

Governor Fubara officiated the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, where he expressed optimism for the future of local governance in the state. The event was attended by key political figures, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum.

Action Peoples Party Wins Majority of Seats

The Action Peoples Party (APP) emerged as the dominant political force in the election, securing 22 of the 23 available chairmanship seats. The remaining seat was won by the Action Alliance (AA), as earlier reported by Daily Trust.

Speaking during the ceremony, Fubara emphasized that the conclusion of the election signified the beginning of a new chapter in the state’s governance. According to the governor, the people of Rivers will now begin to witness the delivery of promised services and development projects.

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“We have entered a season of transformation where democracy will not only thrive, but the people will witness the delivery of democratic dividends that will satisfy their aspirations,” Fubara said. His speech highlighted the significance of the local government system as a tool for meeting the needs of the people directly.

Attempt to Sabotage the Election Foiled

Governor Fubara also revealed that there had been an attempt to disrupt the local government election process just days before voters headed to the polls. He recounted how unidentified individuals tried to invade the headquarters of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in a bid to derail the election.

“But the truth remains, desperate situations require desperate measures,” Fubara said. “We were confronted with a situation where the local government of this state was heading to doom.”

He continued, “Because of the genuine love we have for this state, we must salvage the local government election. With the support of Rivers people, we salvaged the local government council. To the glory of God, that has been done and dusted.”

Fubara expressed relief that the election process was successfully concluded despite these challenges, and he thanked the people of Rivers State for their resilience and support.

Commitment to Peace and Development

With the elections now behind him, Fubara pledged that his administration would not resort to undemocratic means to tackle opposition or dissent. Instead, he assured the people that he would continue to use peaceful methods to ensure that the assets and resources of Rivers State are safeguarded.

He stated, “We assure the Federal Government that we are not going to be party to anything leading to a breakdown of law and order in this state. We know quite well that if there is a breakdown of law and order in Rivers State, Nigeria will suffer, and we are not going to be party to that.”

Fubara’s administration, he said, is determined to maintain peace and stability while focusing on development initiatives. He stressed that the state’s standard of governance would continue to reflect maturity and responsibility.

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Advice to Newly Sworn-in Chairmen

During his address, Governor Fubara took time to advise the newly inaugurated chairmen of the 23 local government areas. He urged them to remain connected with the people in their constituencies and to see their positions as opportunities to serve rather than as positions of power.

“For the newly sworn-in chairmen, I want you to see yourselves as servants,” he said. “Once you see yourself as an emperor, that is where the problem begins.”

Fubara warned against the temptation to misuse the funds available to local governments, cautioning that such attitudes would lead to crises. Instead, he called on the chairmen to foster unity and cooperation in their areas.

“See this opportunity as a call to service,” he added. “It is an opportunity for you to bring people together and to deliver for the people of Rivers State. We need development in the 23 local government areas.”

The Role of Local Government in Rivers State

Local governments play a critical role in the Nigerian governance structure, as they are responsible for grassroots development and addressing the day-to-day concerns of citizens. In Rivers State, as in many other parts of Nigeria, local government administrations are often seen as the closest link between the government and the people.

However, in many cases, local government councils have been criticized for inefficiency and a lack of transparency. Many communities have complained about the slow pace of development, particularly in rural areas. The newly sworn-in chairmen will be expected to tackle these challenges head-on.

Governor Fubara’s administration has promised to support the chairmen in their roles while holding them accountable for the performance of their duties.

Fubara’s Administration and Transformation Agenda

Governor Fubara’s leadership in Rivers State has been marked by his commitment to driving infrastructure projects and economic development. His vision for the state is centered on transforming the local government areas into hubs of development, which in turn, will improve the standard of living for the people.

Rivers State is a vital economic hub in Nigeria, with its rich natural resources and industrial activities, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Despite its wealth, many areas in the state still suffer from inadequate infrastructure and social services. The governor’s transformation agenda aims to address these issues by empowering local governments to function effectively.

“We will not deploy any form of undemocratic ways to confront or fight anybody,” Fubara assured. “We will continue to use peace to ensure that the assets of Rivers State are protected.”

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