Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sworn into office the new Caretaker Chairmen of the 23 local government areas of the state.
The swearing-in was conducted by Governor Fubara at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
This followed after their screening and confirmation by the State Assembly. Governor Fubara had sent the names for screening and confirmation on Tuesday, following the expiration of the local government Chairmen’s tenure on June 17, 2024.
The new caretaker chairmen include Madigai Dickson for Abua/Odua LGA, Hon. Happy Benneth for Ahoada East LGA, Daddy John Green for Ahoada West LGA, Otonye Briggs for Akuku Toru LGA, Reginald Ekaan for Andoni LGA, Orolosoma Amachree for Asari Toru LGA, Alabota Anengi Barasua for Bonny LGA, Anthony Soberekon for Degema LGA, Brian Gokpa for Eleme LGA, David Omereji for Emohua LGA, John Otamiri for Etche LGA, Kenneth Kpeden for Gokana LGA, Darlington Orji for Ikwerre LGA.
Others include Marvin Yobana for Khana, Chijioke Ihunwo for Obio/Akpor LGA, Princewill Ejekwe for Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, Evans Bipi for Ogu/Bolo LGA, Princess Ogan for Okrika LGA, Promise Reginald for Omuma LGA, Enyiada Cookey-Gam for Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Gogo Philip for Oyigbo LGA, Ichemati Ezebunwo for Port Harcourt LGA and Hon. Matthew Dike for Tai LGA
During his speech at the swearing in ceremony, Fubara urged the new caretaker chairmen to see their appointment as an opportunity to protect the interest of the people and also to prove that the decision was not a mistake.
He also noted that the decision to disallow the elongation of tenure is in defence of democracy.
“You have emerged from the millions of people of this dear state to lead or manage for a short time, the affairs of our dear local government areas. Count yourself very lucky and take this opportunity as a call for service. It is not a call that will make you see yourself as superhuman but an opportunity for you to protect the interest of your people and to also make us proud in this critical time that our decision is not a mistake. Let me also say this.
“What is happening here now, is a defence of democracy. We will not allow a wrong precedent to be created in this country. It is not about Rivers state or Fubara. But if in any way these attempts of tenure elongation succeeds in Rivers State, it becomes a norm in Nigeria. So, we have taken it upon ourselves to say not within our own watch. It is completely alien to the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.”
Chioma Kalu
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