In a move aimed at quelling the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for all 23 local government areas of the state.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, amidst heightened security measures.
Governor Fubara’s decision to appoint new caretaker chairmen comes in the wake of a tense political standoff, as former council chairmen have refused to vacate their offices following the expiration of their tenures.
The governor submitted the list of nominees to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday, which was promptly screened and confirmed by a factional House led by Speaker Victor Jumbo.
According to a statement by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West, the screening process commenced early Wednesday morning, with nominees appearing before the Assembly for assessment.
The swift confirmation paved the way for Governor Fubara to administer the oath of office to the first batch of eleven caretaker chairmen, with subsequent batches following suit.
The new appointees are expected to assume their responsibilities immediately, overseeing local governance amidst the lingering political tensions. The identities of the newly appointed caretaker chairmen are as follows:
- Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
- Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
- Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
- Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs
- Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
- Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
- Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
- Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
- Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
- Emouha LGA – David Omereji
- Etche LGA – John Otamiri
- Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
- Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
- Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
- Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
- Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
- Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
- Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
- Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
- Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip
- Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
- Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
The governor’s action underscores efforts to restore stability and effective governance at the grassroots level, as the state navigates through its current political challenges.
The appointment of caretaker chairmen represents a pivotal moment in Rivers State’s political landscape, with stakeholders closely observing developments amid the ongoing crisis.
The state’s turmoil escalated on Tuesday when Fubara’s supporters, protesting youths, forcibly removed chairmen who refused to vacate their offices.
At the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Area, a clash ensued between Fubara’s backers and supporters of his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, resulting in the tragic death of a policeman.
In response to prevent further disorder, the police announced late Tuesday that they had assumed control of all 23 council secretariats.