In a move laden with political significance, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State swore in new caretaker chairmen for all 23 local government units amidst tight security at the Government House in Port Harcourt. This event unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing legal and legislative disputes within the state.
The swearing-in ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, saw the installation of the first eleven Caretaker Committee (CTC) chairmen, who took their oaths of office. The process followed the submission of nominees’ names to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Jumbo, and subsequent screening by lawmakers earlier that morning.
Here are the newly appointed caretaker chairmen for each local government area:
- 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 move by Governor Fubara comes amidst ongoing political turmoil spurred by the Rivers State Assembly’s passage of the Local Government Amendment Bill, a move that Governor Fubara did not assent to. The bill aimed to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and councillors due to challenges in conducting elections within their three-year tenure.
However, the amendment was nullified by a court decision, prompting an appeal. The Court of Appeal is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the matter on June 20, 2024, further intensifying the political landscape in Rivers State.
The installation of new caretaker chairmen marks a pivotal moment in Rivers State’s local governance, highlighting the complexities and tensions surrounding legislative processes and executive decisions within the state. As developments unfold, stakeholders and residents await the outcome of the judicial proceedings that will shape the future of local governance in the region.
