Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) by Monday, March 3, 2025. This directive follows a Supreme Court ruling and aims to ensure smooth governance pending fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
In a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, Governor Fubara emphasized that the decision was necessary due to the legal prohibition of caretaker arrangements in Nigeria’s local government system.
According to him, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, Heads of Local Government Administration are ordered to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections.
While expressing disagreement with the court’s ruling, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to obeying judicial orders and upholding constitutional governance. He assured that legal experts were reviewing the Supreme Court judgments, with certified copies expected by Friday, March 7, 2025, after which the government would implement necessary actions.
Acknowledging the tense political atmosphere, Governor Fubara urged Rivers residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully. He reassured citizens of his administration’s dedication to good governance despite the challenges.
