Angry Fubara Appoints New Caretaker Committee Chairmen in Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, appointed new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, amidst tight security.

The ceremony began with the first batch of 11 caretaker chairmen taking their oath of office. This move follows Governor Fubara’s recent submission of the list of nominees to the state House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo. 

The nominees were invited for screening early on Wednesday, leading up to their official appointment.

Here are the names of the appointed caretaker chairmen:

• Abua/Odua LGA: Madigai Dickson
• Ahoada East LGA: Happy Benneth
• Ahoada West LGA: Mr. Daddy John Green
• Akuku Toru LGA: Otonye Briggs
• Andoni LGA: Reginald Ekaan
• Asari Toru LGA: Orolosoma Amachree
• Bonny LGA: Alabota Anengi Barasua
• Degema LGA: Anthony Soberekon
• Eleme LGA: Brain Gokpa
• Emouha LGA: David Omereji
• Etche LGA: John Otamiri
• Gokana LGA: Kenneth Kpeden
• Ikwerre LGA: Darlington Orji
• Khana LGA: Marvin Yobana
• Obia/Akpor LGA: Chijioke Ihunwo
• Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA: Princewill Ejekwe
• Ogu/Bolo LGA: Evans Bipi
• Okrika LGA: Princess Ogan
• Omuma LGA: Promise Reginald
• Opobo/Nkoro LGA: Enyiada Cookey-Gam
• Oyigbo LGA: Gogo Philip
• Port Harcourt LGA: Ichemati Ezebunwo
• Tai LGA: Matthew Dike

Back story 

This development adds a new dimension to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. The crisis began when the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill, extending the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councilors. 

Although Governor Fubara did not assent to the bill, it was vetoed by the Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule. However, a court later nullified the amended law, leading to an appeal with a ruling expected on June 20, 2024.

In this political tension, there were calls for peace from council leaders Rowland Sekibo and Onengiyeofori George of Akuku-Toru and Asari-Toru local government areas, respectively. 

Their appeal came after youths barricaded the secretariats on Monday, insisting that their tenure had been extended by the Assembly.

Supporting Governor Fubara, youths of Ijaw extraction demonstrated outside the Port Harcourt Local Government Area Secretariat. They displayed placards and sang in solidarity with the governor’s directive, all under heavy security.

In response to the heightened tensions, Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu assured residents of peace and warned against any attempts to disrupt the state’s stability.

He emphasized the police command’s readiness to maintain order and urged all political actors and their supporters to cease hostilities pending the outcome of the court’s decision.