Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Samuel Nwanosike, has vowed not to vacate office when his tenure ends next month.
In a video that trended on social media Nwanosike, whose tenure expires on June 16, 2024, said the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara does not have the right to tell him to leave.
Nwanosike justified his decision by citing an extension of tenure authorized by state lawmakers under the leadership of the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule.
The local council boss argued that the state government’s failure to conduct local government elections necessitated the extension of tenure.
Nwanosike said he would adhere to the lawmakers’ directive and continue his duties as chairman and challenged those questioning the authority of Amaewhule.
He said; “Who are you to say Martins Amaewhule is not the Rivers House of Assembly Speaker? If Amaewhule says that because the governor of Rivers State failed in his duty to conduct local government elections, and that, I, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, whose tenure by the oath of office I took and the certificate of return I was issued when I contested my second tenure election should remain in office. So shall we remain in the office in Rivers State.
“We are sending a message to those who are threatening them to wear their jeans – do like this, don’t do like that. We don’t wear jeans in Ikwere local government. We wear white, we tie wrapper we wear Ogbakata. Come and disobey the law, we will wait for you. The law of Nigeria is the law passed by Martin Amaewhule. If dem born you well, show your face. Thank you.”