Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration, HLGAs, to immediately assume control of the 23 local government councils in the state.

Fubara said the HLGAs will run the affairs of the LGs pending the organization of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC.

The governor also instructed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over their responsibilities to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.

DAILY POST recalls that the Supreme Court on Friday sacked the 23 LGA chairmen, citing violation of Section 150 the Electoral Act.

The apex court declared the October 5, 2024 elections that ushered in the new chairmen as void.

During a statewide broadcast from the Government House in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Governor Fubara responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling, explaining that this action was necessary due to the abolition of caretaker arrangements in Nigeria’s local government system.

Fubara said, “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

“I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.”

While the governor expressed disagreement with the court’s judgment, he emphasized that his administration, as a law-abiding government, would comply with the court’s orders.

He added, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.

“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.

“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.

“While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.

“Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, 7th March, 2025.

“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the State forward.”

Governor Fubara urged the people and residents of Rivers State to remain calm, continue with their daily activities peacefully, and trust that the government would work tirelessly to ensure good governance for the benefit of the citizens.

Fubara directs heads of LG administration to take over from sacked chairmen