18th June, 2024
…Fubara congratulates outgone Council Chairs for their contributions
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Sequel to the expiration of the tenure of the 23 local government Chairpersons, Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration, HLGAs, across the to take charge of affairs of their various Councils until further notice.
Governor Fubara gave the directive in a statewide broadcast he made on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 in Port Harcourt to mark the end of tenure of the local council Chairmen and councillors in the state.
“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 (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.
“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.”
Fubara said “while acknowledging and commending the dedicated services of the outgone Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors who were sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure ended on Monday, June 17, 2024 as provided for by the Law, Governor Fubara thanked them for their sacrifices and commitments to public service and to Rivers State. He further enjoined everyone to maintain peace and order across the local government areas”.
The governor appreciated Rivers people for their immense support to his administration, urging them to always reflect on the shared sacrifices that they have made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and indeed Nigeria, adding that it is necessary for the people to continue to live in peace and harmony.
Fubara emphasised that with their support his administration has achieved milestones in different sectors of the economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within the communities.
The governor assured of his commitment to continue to defend the people, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for the people and workers.
He further applauded the people for their steadfast support and dedication to his administration’s shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity, assuring that together he will continue to collaborate with them to build a brighter and better future for all.
Our Correspondent reports that there have threats by some local government Chairmen that they would not leave office at expiration of tenure, arguing that Martin Amaewhule-led lawmakers enacted a law elongating their tenure for six months in the absence of elected Chairmen to take over from them.
They also pointedly threatened that they will resist the appointment of Caretaker Committees.
Observers believe that Governor Fubara directive that HLGAs should take over the administration is a smart way navigating the “political landmines” set out for his administration by the Pro-Nyesom Wike Minister lawmakers and council chairpersons
Meanwhile, Rivers Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Rilwan Disu has assured that the Command is on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the local government Secretariats.
Read full text of broadcast by Fubara below
BROADCAST BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR SIMINALAVI FUBARA, GSSRS ON TUESDAY, 18TH JUNE, 2024
My fellow Rivers people
1. I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration.
2. I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and indeed Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.
3. Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.
4. Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of our progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.
5. I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.
5. On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.
7. I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors.
8. 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 (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.
9. Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby
directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.
10.1 assure you, my good people of Rivers State that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound
healthcare delivery, quality education and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.
11. Once again, I thank you my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity.
12. Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all.
13. Happy Salah Holiday.
14. God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.