Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to assume leadership of the 23 council areas following the expiration of the three-year tenure of elected chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors.
The governor’s directive was given in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday.
The governor said: “ Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution is upheld, and that law and order are maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct heads HLGAs to continue to provide leadership in their respective local government areas.”
On Monday, youths took over secretariats in Degema and Asari-Toru councils, demanding the exit of chairmen and officials.
There were reports that the gates to the council Secretariats were also locked. Police also deployed patrol vans to maintain order.
The crisis stems from a court ruling recognizing a three-man House of Assembly, which quashed the tenure extension granted by the 27-member Assembly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.
Despite the ruling, the chairmen had insisted that they would remain in office for six more months.
Governor Fubara in response, insisted that the chairmen’s tenure expired on June 17.
