By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
P-HARCOURT: Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the administration of the 23 local government councils, following the Supreme Court judgment on the state’s political crisis. The directive comes as the tenure of the current council chairmen expires, with fresh elections yet to be conducted.
In a statewide broadcast from Government House, Port Harcourt, on Sunday evening, Governor Fubara instructed the outgoing local government chairmen to formally hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025. He explained that the decision was in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling, which outlawed caretaker committees in the local government system.
“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the Heads of Local Government Administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” Fubara stated.
The governor acknowledged that his administration does not agree with the court’s ruling but emphasized that as a law-abiding government, it would comply with the directives. “Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein. Since inception, we have conducted the affairs of government within the framework of our Constitution, due process, and the rule of law,” he added.
Governor Fubara reassured the people of Rivers State that his administration would carefully study the Supreme Court judgment before taking further actions. He revealed that his legal team expects to receive the certified true copy of the ruling by Friday, March 7, 2025. “Upon receipt of the certified judgments, we shall study their ramifications and implement them without reservations to move the state forward,” he assured.
Addressing concerns about political instability, the governor urged residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities peacefully. He noted that while the state appears to be facing yet another challenging period, his government remains committed to ensuring stability and progress.
“Although our dear state seems to be back in trying times, I urge everyone to remain calm and peacefully go about their legitimate daily activities as we continue to do everything in our power to advance good governance,” Fubara said.
Political analysts see this move as a strategic attempt to maintain order at the local government level while the state prepares for fresh elections. Some observers believe it could further deepen the political tension in the state, given the ongoing power struggle within Rivers’ political landscape.
Despite the controversy, Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that governance in Rivers State remains guided by constitutional processes.