Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara has stated that plot by some outgone Local Government Chairmen to remain in office after the expiration of their tenure is an affront on democracy which will not be permitted, as tenure elongation is completely alien to the Nigerian constitution.
Governor Fubara stated this while swearing-in Chairmen of Caretaker Committees for the 23 Local Government Areas of the State at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The governor noted that what he did is in defence of democracy as allowing tenure elongation to succeed in Rivers State will also make it a norm in the entire country.
“Let me also say it, what is happening here is in defence of our democracy. We will not allow a wrong precedent to be created in this country. It is not about Rivers State or me, but if in any way this attempt of tenure elongation succeeds in Rivers State, it will become a norm in Nigeria.”
“So, we have taken it up on ourselves that not within our own watch will such a thing happen. It is completely alien to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He emphasised that it is unthinkable for those whose tenure expired to continue to hold on to office under the guise that election has not been conducted, stressing that over 85% of the States in Nigeria run their local government areas on Caretaker.
