Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has appointed and sworn in new caretaker chairmen for all 23 local government areas.
This significant action followed swiftly after the House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, screened and confirmed the nominees earlier in the day.
The process began on Tuesday when Governor Fubara submitted the list of nominees to the state House of Assembly.
According to a statement by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West, the nominees were summoned for an early morning screening at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
The rapid succession of events underscores the urgency of the appointments amid ongoing political unrest in the state.
The political crisis intensified as former council chairmen, whose terms had expired, refused to vacate their offices.
This defiance prompted the need for a swift and firm resolution to ensure continuity and stability in local governance.
The swearing-in ceremony took place under tight security at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Governor Fubara administered the oath of office to the first batch of eleven caretaker chairmen, with subsequent batches following promptly.
The newly appointed caretaker chairmen are:
- 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
- Obio/Akpor LGA: Emmanuel Dogwo
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA: Vincent Anyanwu
- Ogu/Bolo LGA: Margaret Ezenwa
- Okrika LGA: Chizoba Onyebuchi
- Omuma LGA: Cynthia Amadi
- Opobo/Nkoro LGA: Solomon Dokubo
- Oyigbo LGA: Chima Nwafor
- Port Harcourt LGA: Isaac Udochukwu
- Tai LGA: Ruth Michael
Governor Fubara expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly appointed chairmen and emphasized the importance of their roles in maintaining stability and driving development at the grassroots level.
He urged them to prioritize the needs of their communities and work diligently towards improving the quality of life for all residents of Rivers State.
The appointment of the caretaker chairmen is expected to quell the political tensions that have recently plagued the state, ensuring that local governance continues smoothly and efficiently.
As Rivers State navigates this transitional period, the administration remains committed to fostering a stable and prosperous environment for its citizens.