Governor Fubara Orders Audit Of Local Government Accounts 

As the political crisis in Rivers State is yet to resolve, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for the audit of local government accounts in the state. He gave the order after he swore in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. The swearing-in ceremony was currently ongoing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, amid tight security.  The swearing comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Victor Jumbo. Earlier, the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment bill into law but Fubara failed to assent to the bill.  While the governor did not sign the bill, the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule vetoed him. The amended bill which the governor failed to assent, empowered the Rivers State Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councillors where it is deemed impossible to hold elections before the end of their three-year tenure. However, the court nullified the amended law, prompting an appeal.  The appeal court is set to deliver a ruling on the matter on June 20, 2024.

Gov Fubara swears in Rivers state caretaker committee chairmen

Rivers governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. The swearing-in was done on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The ceremony comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo. See the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara below: 1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson 2. Ahoada East LGA – Hon. Happy Benneth 3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green 4. Akuku Toru LGA – Otonye Briggs 5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan 6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree 7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua 8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon 9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa 10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji 11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri 12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden 13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji 14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana 15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo 16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe 17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi 18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan 19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald 20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam 21. Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip 22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo 23. Tai LGA – Hon Matthew Dike

Ex President Jonathan Sends Warning To Wike, Fubara As Rivers Crisis Thickens 

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has intervened in the escalating political tensions in Rivers State, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nyesom Wike to prioritize collaboration for the state’s progress.  Jonathan made the plea during the commencement of the N222.1 billion Trans-Kalabari Road construction, stressing the need for unity and cooperation among state leaders. Speaking at the project inauguration, Jonathan expressed concern over the heightened political tensions in Rivers State, noting that such discord hinders the state’s growth and development.  He urged Governor Fubara and Minister Wike to work together to alleviate the political climate and focus on advancing the welfare of Rivers’ residents. “The political tension in Rivers State is becoming too much. If Rivers state is destabilized, the whole Niger Delta and by extension the country will be destabilized,” Jonathan declared. The former president, however, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting development projects in Rivers State.  He said the commencement of the Trans-Kalabari Road construction signifies a tangible step towards enhancing infrastructure and connectivity within the state.