Tension In Rivers! Former LG Chairmen Dare Fubara, Vow To Resume Office Monday

Twenty-one out of the twenty-three former local government chairmen in Rivers State have declared their intention to resume office on Monday, March 3, 2025.

Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, February 28, 2025, the former council bosses argue that their tenures have been legally extended after the apex court recognized the Martins Amaewhule-led legislature as the legitimate House of Assembly in the state.

This decision was made public through a viral video shared on social media by Samuel Nwanosike, the former chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area.

In the video, Nwanosike stated: “My name is Dr. Nwanosike Samuel, chairman of Ikwerre Local Government of Rivers State. By the judgment of the Supreme Court, I remain the chairman of the LGA because the Rivers State House of Assembly extended our tenure by six months.”

Efforts by Leadership to reach some of the former LGA chairmen for comments were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to calls or WhatsApp messages.

It is worth noting that in April 2024, the Amaewhule-led House of Assembly extended the tenure of the former chairmen by six months under Section 9(2) of the Rivers State Local Government Law 2024. However, Governor Siminalayi Fubara refused to sign the bill and, on June 19, 2024, appointed caretaker committees to oversee the LGAs after the expiration of the former chairmen’s original tenure.

The caretaker committees managed the local government councils until October 7, 2024, when the governor inaugurated newly elected chairmen and councillors for the LGAs.