The Governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara of has stated that he declined pressure to extend the tenure of the outgoing local government chairmen and councilors to prevent Rivers State from setting a negative precedent in the country.
Governor Fubara, who spoke while inaugurating the caretaker committee chairmen and members for the 23 local government councils of the state at the Executive Council Chambers, Port Harcourt, said there was no way he would have allowed them to perpetuate themselves in office against their oaths.
Fubara charged the newly sworn-in local government caretaker committees to prevent violence, maintain the peace and be guided by the Constitution to promote unity, inclusive administration and achieve progress at the grassroots level.
The Local Governments are to begin auditing the accounts and make the report available within the next one month.
The Governor stated: “I also want to say that, for the local government activities in the past three years, I would want to mandate: which is official assignment, not even a statutory duty, that the Auditor-General should immediately commence the audit of the 23 Local Government Councils in the past three years, and come up with the result in the next one month.”
“It is important so that we will know what has happened and how our funds were being used in those 23 Local Government Areas. It is important so that it will be a check for those people who are also coming,” he added.
Fubara told the newly sworn-in caretaker committee chairmen that their tenure would not be too long because the process for the conduct of fresh elections of local government chairmen and councillors in the state had started.
He advised them to resume at their respective local government councils with utmost sense of duty and commitment to serve the people of the state, and protect the interest of Rivers state.
He warned them against any form of confrontation, insisting that such was not in his nature and advised them to be law-abiding as they will take full control of the local government councils.
He mentioned, “Whatever happened yesterday (Tuesday), I know and the world knows that it is not from you people. Some persons caused it. So, let us not give them the opportunity to continue to make our State look bad in the comity of States.”
He further mentioned that, “So, when you go back, if there is any situation, you should be law- abiding. I don’t want any confrontation. You can operate from anywhere for now. But the most important thing is that you have the control of the Local Government today.”
Those sworn-in CTC chaurnen are: Madigai Dickson, Abua/Odual; Happy Benneth, Ahoada East; Ahoada West, Mr. Daddy John Green; Otonye Briggs, Akuku-Toru; Andoni, Reginald Ekaan; and Asari-Toru, Orolosoma Amachree.
Bonny, Alabota Anengi Barasua returned as chairperson; Degema, Anthony Soberekon; Eleme, Brain Gokpa, David Omereji, Emohua; John Otamiri Nkugbo, Etche.
Others are Gokana, Κenneth Kpeden, chairman; Ikwerre, Dr. Darlington Orji; Khana, Amb. Marvin Yobana; Obio/Akpor Amb. Chijioke Ihunwo; Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni; Princewill Ejekwe; Ogu/Bolo, Evans B. Biρι; Okrika, Princess I. B. Ogan; Omuma, Promise Reginald; Opobo/Νκoro, Enyiada Cookey-Gam; Oyigbo, Gogo Phillip, Ichemati Ezebunwo, Port Harcourt City; Matthew Dike, Tai.
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