Fubara: No constitutional provisions for LG chairmen’s tenure extension

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara says there is no provision for tenure elongation for elected Local Government chairmen in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as Amended).

Fubara made this known while addressing journalists at the end of a security council meeting with heads of security agencies in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

The governor said the security council meeting was called because of the threat to the peace of the state, brewing from the tenure expiration of the outgone local government chairmen.

He stated: ”We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.

”The law on local government tenure is unambiguous. The court clearly affirmed the position of the law.

Police seal Rivers LG secretariats over crisis

“The law is the law; there is no extension of the local government tenure in it. The court says so.”

Governor Fubara promised to protect his supporters and resist any ”grand plan to arrest” them.

Fubara thanked journalists and the people of Rivers State for their support, urging everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the State.

Fubara, on Tuesday morning, directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected chairmen whose three-year tenure elapsed on Monday.

The governor said the decision tied with the constitution’s provision and the need to ensure peace and order in the state.

Fubara appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.

The police later confirmed the killing of two security operatives in Omuma LGA of Rivers State during a clash.

Confirming the incident, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

She added that police operatives had occupied the local government secretariats to forestall violence.

The Star