Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils following the Supreme Courts recent judgments on the state’s political disputes.
The governor gave the directive in a statewide broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025, following the apex courts rulings, which he acknowledged but expressed reservations about.
Although we disagree with the judgments, we are bound to obey the orders made therein as a law-abiding government, Fubara said.
He assured residents that his administration remains committed to upholding the Constitution, due process, and the rule of law, noting that his legal team expects to receive the certified true copy of the Supreme Court judgments 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 added.
In light of the Supreme Courts ruling against caretaker committees in local government administration, Fubara directed the outgoing local government chairmen to hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025, pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The governor called for calm, urging residents to go about their daily activities peacefully, despite the political tensions.
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 our responsibilities to the citizens, he said.
Fubara’s directive comes amid an ongoing political standoff in the state, which has seen heightened tensions between rival factions. His call for compliance with the Supreme Courts decisions signals a move to restore stability in Rivers State.
