In Rivers State, June 17, 2024, is not just another day; it marks the conclusion of the three-year tenure of the elected local government chairmen, as stipulated by the state’s Local Government Law.
This date has become a focal point for political tension, particularly due to the intensifying conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The political climate worsened following a fire incident at the Rivers State House of Assembly on October 30, which resulted in a stark division among its members.
A faction of 27 members sided with Speaker Martin Amaewhule, while four others aligned with House Leader Edison Ehie, who served as Deputy Speaker in the previous Assembly. Ehie was subsequently replaced by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
In the midst of this discord, Amaewhule’s faction amended the Local Government Law to allow for a six-month extension of tenure for elected chairmen and councilors if elections could not be conducted before their term ended.
However, this amendment was overturned by a High Court judgment initiated by the council chairmen of Opobo/Nkoro and Bonny.
The pro-Wike chairmen encountered additional hurdles when a State High Court barred Amaewhule’s group from functioning as lawmakers and invalidated their legislative actions.
The situation escalated when an Appeal Court ruling upheld the lower court’s order restraining Amaewhule and his colleagues.
Despite this, Amaewhule and his 24 colleagues held a press conference on the day of the ruling to declare their refusal to accept a list of caretaker committee members.
Governor Fubara recently reminded council chairmen that their tenure was nearing its end.
With political observers closely watching, all eyes are on Governor Fubara as he is expected to make crucial decisions regarding the chairmanship of the 23 local government areas amidst ongoing tensions.
