THE recently removed local government chairmen in Rivers State have complied with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s directive to transfer authority to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) following Friday’s Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court nullified the local government elections conducted on October 5, 2024, effectively dismissing chairmen and councillors across all 23 local government areas.
In response, Governor Fubara, in a state broadcast yesterday, instructed the affected officials to ensure a smooth transition to prevent administrative disruptions.
By today, the handover process was completed.
In Port Harcourt City LGA, the outgoing chairman, Ichemati Ezebunwo, officially transferred power to Clifford Paul, the HLGA.
Similar transitions took place in Obio/Akpor, Oyigbo, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni, and other LGAs.
During the commissioning of the Government House Quarters in Port Harcourt, Ezebunwo assured journalists that he and his supporters remain steadfast despite the Supreme Court’s ruling.
He commended Governor Fubara for his focus on governance amid political challenges, particularly highlighting people-centric initiatives like the staff quarters project.
Ezebunwo emphasized that Rivers State residents appreciate the Governor’s commitment to development over political conflict.
He also pledged his support for Fubara’s re-election in 2027, citing the administration’s achievements at both state and local government levels.
