By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has nominated caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. This action follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected local government officials on Monday, June 17, 2024.
The New Diplomat reports that Fubara had directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately assume control of the 23 council areas.
This directive came amid palpable tension in several parts of the state, where youths took to the streets to prevent outgoing local government chairmen from resuming work after the expiration of their tenure.
Additionally, the move is seen as part of efforts to manage the renewed political crisis in the state, as former council chairmen initially refused to vacate their offices despite the expiration of their terms.
Meanwhile, Fubara sent the list of nominated caretaker chairmen to the state House of Assembly, being led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, on Tuesday.
Fubara’s communication to the assembly was detailed in a statement issued on Tuesday night by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West.
However, to prevent further breakdown of law and order, the police had announced on Tuesday evening that they had taken over the 23 council secretariats.
However, the former council chairmen had vowed to remain in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.
The situation remains tense as the state navigates the transition from elected to caretaker local government leadership..
See the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara below:
1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
2. Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
4. Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs
5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji
11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri
12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
21. Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip
22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
23. Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
