The opposition lawmakers, known as the G60, have lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for his democratic disposition, which allowed pro-Wike local government chairmen to complete their tenure without disruption.
The tenure of the elected council chairmen in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State, who were sworn in three years ago during Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, expired on Monday, June 17, 2024. In a statement signed by their spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the G60 reiterated that Governor Fubara displayed an uncommon democratic character by not removing the chairmen, as most state governors do upon taking power.
The G60 lawmakers highlighted Governor Fubara’s background as a career civil servant and bureaucrat, noting that he allowed the law and due process to take their course despite open confrontation and insubordination by the chairmen, whose allegiance was to former Governor Wike. They contrasted this with actions taken in other states, such as Benue, where the governor dissolved local government councils without provocation and constituted a caretaker committee twice.
“The tenure of the local government councils’ chairmen in Rivers State ended today, June 17, 2024, with Governor Fubara allowing the local government system to function democratically. He didn’t dissolve them even when he had issues with his predecessor, allowing them to continue in office until the expiration of their tenure,” the statement read.
The lawmakers recalled how Wike disregarded a National Industrial Court of Nigeria order, which granted an interim injunction against the dissolution of the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State. Despite the order, Wike proceeded to sack the chairmen and appoint a caretaker committee.
“However, Fubara, being law-abiding, a gentleman, a democrat, and a peace builder, did not interfere with the local government system. He waited patiently for their tenure to expire and endured all the challenges posed by the pro-Wike chairmen and their paymasters,” the statement continued.
The G60 lawmakers expressed hope that with the departure of the former chairmen, Governor Fubara can now focus on moving Rivers State forward. They concluded by remarking on the cyclical nature of politics, saying, “Time changes all things. Today, the Rivers State local government council chairmen have bowed out, allowing Governor Fubara to have peace and concentrate on moving Rivers State forward.”
