Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State administered the oath of office to new caretaker chairmen for the state’s 23 local government areas on Wednesday. This move came shortly after the House of Assembly, under the leadership of factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, screened and confirmed the nominees.
The governor had submitted the list of nominees to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday, with the screening process beginning as early as 8 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West.
This nomination and swift swearing-in occur amidst a renewed political crisis in Rivers State, as former council chairmen refuse to vacate their offices despite the expiration of their tenures.
The ceremony took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, under tight security.
The first batch of eleven caretaker chairmen took their oaths of office, followed by subsequent batches. Here are the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Governor Fuba
1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson
2. Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth
3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green
4. Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs
5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan
6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree
7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua
8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon
9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa
10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji
11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri
12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden
13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji
14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana
15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo
16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe
17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi
18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan
19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald
20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
21. Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip
22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo
23. Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
The crisis in the state worsened on Tuesday as protesting youths loyal to Fubara dislodged chairmen who refused to leave their offices.
A policeman was killed at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Area during a clash between supporters of Fubara and those of his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
To prevent further breakdown of law and order, the police announced on Tuesday evening that they had taken over the 23 council secretariats.
