The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has nominated caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. Following the tenure expiration of the chairmen of the various local governments on Monday, June 17, the governor sent the list to the state House of Assembly led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo.
Fubara’s communication to the assembly was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday night by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West.
The caretaker chairmen nominated by the governor include; 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, Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe, Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi, Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan, Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald, Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam, Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip, Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo, and Tai LGA – Matthew Dike
The political atmosphere in the state was tensed on Tuesday as the various local government chairmen insist they will not vacate their seats. Things took a different turn when youths loyal to Governor Fubara stormed the local government councils and 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.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced proceeding for the day and are currently screening the nominees presented by the governor. In his letter sent to the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, the governor said the screening and confirmation of the committee members, was to avoid a vacuum in the administration of the LGAs following the expiration of the tenure of the elected chairmen on Monday.