Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately take charge of the 23 council areas in the state.
This directive follows the expiration of the three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors on Monday, June 17, 2024.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday morning, Governor Fubara acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing officials and commended their dedicated service. The broadcast was detailed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
“I wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors 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,” said Governor Fubara. “On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.”
Governor Fubara congratulated the outgoing officials for the successful completion of their tenure and wished them well in their future endeavors. He emphasized the importance of upholding the constitution and maintaining law and order while providing leadership for the people.
“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 to continue to provide leadership in their respective local government areas,” he stated. “Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.”
Governor Fubara assured the residents of Rivers State of continued infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and welfare services. “I 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.”
In response to the tenure expiration, some youths in the Degema and Asari-Toru Local Government Areas took over the council headquarters on Monday. Additionally, there was a significant security presence in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to prevent any security breaches.
Governor Fubara concluded by expressing gratitude for the continued support and dedication of the people of Rivers State. “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.”