Fubara To Decide LG Chairmanship Amidst Tension Over Tenure Extension
Today been June 17 seem to be a very normal day like every other day but absolutely not the same case with Rivers state as it weighes so much significance.
You're welcome to Naija Anchor News, I am Abigail.
Today marks the end of the three-year term for the elected Local Government Chairmen, as outlined by the State’s Local Government Law. This day has highlighted the growing political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The tension escalated significantly after a fire in the State House of Assembly on October 30, which caused a major rift within the Assembly. Speaker Martin Amaewhule gained the support of 27 members, while four members sided with Edison Ehie, the former Deputy Speaker, who was later replaced by Victor Oko-Jumbo.
In the midst of this crisis, Amaewhule’s Assembly passed an amendment to extend the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors by six months if elections were not held. This amendment was overturned by a High Court ruling, which followed a lawsuit from the council chairmen of Opobo/Nkoro and Bonny. Pro-Wike chairmen faced additional challenges when a State High Court restrained Amaewhule’s group from legislative activities, and this was upheld by an Appeal Court ruling. Despite the legal setbacks, Amaewhule and his colleagues expressed their defiance against accepting caretaker committee members, while Governor Fubara reminded the council chairmen of their impending exit from office. Political analysts are now waiting for Fubara’s decision on the leadership of the 23 local government areas.
So let's take a few comments before we round up
Reactions.
@NaijaObserver: "Governor Fubara has a tough decision to make. Extending the tenure or appointing new chairmen will definitely stir the political pot even more.
@FubaraFan: "Governor Fubara is right, those chairmen have had their time. Let's get some fresh faces in there to make real changes. #NewLeadership"
@EkoVoice: "Another day, another political feud. When will our leaders put the people's needs first?
@LegalEagle: "The High Court's decision should be respected. Extending the tenure without elections is not democratic.
@RiversResident: "Can we just have a smooth transition for once? This constant fighting is embarrassing for the state.
