By Capital Watch Media
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration, HLGAs, to assume control of the state’s 23 local government areas following the Supreme Court’s ruling nullifying recent elections.
In a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, Fubara ordered the outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, 3rd March 2025.
“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,” Fubara announced.
This directive follows Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which not only nullified the state’s local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, but also recognised the Martin Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the authentic Rivers State House of Assembly.
The governor acknowledged the court’s ruling despite expressing his administration’s disagreement with the judgment.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government,” he said.
Fubara reassured citizens of his government’s commitment to constitutional governance.
“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law,” he stated.
The governor said his legal team is working to obtain the certified true copy of the judgment by Friday, 7th March 2025.
“Upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward,” Fubara added.
He urged the outgoing local government chairmen to comply with the handover directive without delay to ensure a smooth transition.
“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,” he said.
The Supreme Court’s decision has thrown Rivers State’s political landscape into fresh uncertainty, but Fubara called for calm.
“Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities,” he pleaded.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to providing good governance.
“We continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens,” he said.
Fubara expressed regret over the situation but promised his government would navigate it within the confines of the law.
“We are not above mistakes because we are human, but we have not deliberately trampled on the rule of law,” he said.
The state’s residents have been urged to support the transition process and await the outcome of the planned fresh local government elections.
Political observers are watching closely as the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission prepares for the polls.
No date has yet been announced for the elections.
The governor’s call for order comes amid growing tension in the state following the Supreme Court’s pronouncement and its implications for the state’s political stability.
Stakeholders have expressed hope that the government’s swift response will prevent any breakdown of law and order.
As Rivers State braces for the next steps, the handover process on Monday will be closely monitored by political players and the public alike.
