Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state will decide the fate of the chairman of the state’s 23 local government areas today, Monday, June 17.
According to reports, June 17 marks the end of the three-year tenure for elected LGA chairmen, a milestone documented in the state’s Local Government Law.
As reported by Channels TV, the day has become a flashpoint for political turmoil, largely due to the escalating feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Governor Siminalayi Fubara at a function recently reminded the council chairmen that their days in office are numbered.
However, political watchers expect him to decide on the chairmanship of the 23 local government areas.
Recall that the Association of LGAs of Nigeria (ALGON), the Rivers state chapter, accused Governor Fubara of withholding funds meant to be released for the 23 LGAs in the state.
The local government chairmen, Governor Fubara’s move has denied them the ability to perform their administrative function as the third tier of government.
The ALGON chairmen then seconded the call by Tony Okocha, the APC chairman caretaker committee in the state. Okocha had earlier called on the state assembly to commence the impeachment proceedings of Governor Fubara.
This happened after a viral video surfaced online on Friday, April 12, 2024, showing the LG chairmen declaring support for both the PDP and the APC, confirming Wike’s loyalty to Tinubu’s government in Rivers state.
Following the expiration of the LG chairmen’s tenure, the 27-members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike, have vowed to resist any attempt by Governor Fubara to install caretaker members in the 23 LGAs of the state.
As reported by The Punch, the pro-Wike Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, spoke in Port Harcourt on Friday, June 14. He warned Fubara, not to send names of caretaker committees to the House to fill vacant positions in the LG councils, saying it would not be accepted.
TimesNow.com.ng earlier reported that Governor Siminalayi Fubara barred heads and officials of the 23 local government areas from appearing before the Rivers state house of assembly.
The Director of Information and Communications for Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Ebirieneuket Nteile C, disclosed this in an online circular on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Fubara warned that any chairman who appears before the Pro-Nyesom Wike lawmakers will be sacked.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
