In a decisive move following recent Supreme Court rulings, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately assume control of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State.
The directive, announced during a statewide broadcast from Government House on Sunday, 2March, 2025, comes as the state prepares for fresh elections to be conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
Governor Fubara also instructed the outgoing local government chairmen, elected in the controversial October 5, 2024 poll, to formally hand over their duties to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.
This action follows a Supreme Court judgment that nullified the previous local government elections and outlawed caretaker arrangements, mandating a return to democratically elected councils.
The governor emphasized that while his administration disagrees with the court’s decisions, it remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders as a law-abiding government,” Fubara stated.
He assured residents that certified copies of the rulings, expected by Friday, March 7, 2025, would be reviewed and implemented fully to advance the state’s governance framework.
The move marks a significant shift in Rivers State’s political landscape, which has been embroiled in a protracted crisis.
Fubara urged citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities, promising that his administration would prioritize good governance despite the challenges.
“We seem to be back in trying times, but I urge everyone to stay peaceful as we work to fulfill our responsibilities,” he added.
The RSIEC is now tasked with organizing fresh elections, though no specific timeline has been announced. Political analysts see this as a critical moment for Fubara to stabilize the state amid ongoing tensions. Residents await further developments as the government navigates this transitional phase.
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