S’Court verdict: Fubara orders civil servants to oversee Rivers LGs

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has ordered the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the administration of the 23 local government councils immediately.

The HLGAs are civil servants.

Fubara issued the directive in a statewide broadcast on Sunday at Government House, Port Harcourt.

In response to the Supreme Court judgement, Fubara explained that the measure was necessary due to the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in Nigeria’s local government system.

He stated that the heads of the local government councils should oversee council affairs until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

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The governor also instructed the outgoing local government council chairmen to hand over power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3.

Fubara reiterated that, given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements, he had directed the HLGAs to assume control of the councils until RSIEC holds elections.

“I further direct outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over power to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025,” he stated.

The governor said his administration disagrees with the judgement but is bound to obey the court’s orders as a law-abiding government.

Fubara added: “We are aware of the recent Supreme Court rulings regarding ongoing political disputes in our state.

“Although we disagree with the judgement, we must obey the court orders as a law-abiding government.

“Since taking office, we have governed within the framework of our constitution, due process, and the rule of law,” he said.

Fubara acknowledged that his administration, like any, is not free from mistakes, but believes it has not intentionally violated the rule of law or constitutional principles.

“Accordingly, I have met with my legal team, who assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available by Friday, March 7.

“Upon receipt, we will study the judgement’s implications and implement them promptly to move the state forward,” he said.

The governor regretted that the court’s pronouncement has brought difficult times for the state, but urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully.

“I urge everyone to stay calm and go about their legitimate activities as we continue to fulfill our responsibilities to the citizens,” Fubara added.

The Star