Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGA) to immediately assume control of the administration of all 23 local government areas in the state.
This directive follows the Supreme Court judgment mandating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold the state’s allocations.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Governor Fubara directed the outgoing local government chairmen to officially hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025.
The governor said, “Furthermore, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
“I further direct the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over the levers of power to the Heads of Local Government Administration by Monday, 3rd March, 2025.”
The governor stated that this action was necessary because the court had outlawed caretaker arrangements in the local government system.
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The governor emphasized that while his administration disagrees with the Supreme Court’s decision, it is committed to obeying the ruling as a law-abiding government.
Fubara said, “We are all aware of the recent Supreme Court judgments and pronouncements regarding aspects of the lingering political disputes in our dear State.
“Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government.
“Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process and the rule of law.
“While we are not above mistakes because we are humans, we believe that we have not, as a government, done anything deliberately to trample on the rule of law or the hallowed principles of constitutional governance.
“Accordingly, I have had a meeting with my team of lawyers, and they have assured me that the certified true copy of the judgements may be available to them by Friday, March 7, 2025.
“I assure you that upon the receipt of certified judgements, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward.”
Fubara assured the people that his government would carefully study the certified true copy of the judgment once it becomes available and take the necessary steps to implement it.
Although the governor expressed regret that the state seems to be back in trying times, he urged citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully. He reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing good governance for the welfare of the people.
He said: “Although our dear State seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about with their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance our responsibilities to the citizens.”
