Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State welcomed the immediate past chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to his private residence in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. The visit was led by Hon. Prince Ezebunwo Ichemati, who previously served as the chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (ALGON).
The former council leaders met with Governor Fubara to express their continued loyalty and support for his administration. They also urged the people of Rivers State to stand by the governor, despite the ongoing political uncertainty in the state. The visiting chairmen, in a show of unity, offered prayers for peace and stability, encouraging residents to remain law-abiding and avoid any actions that could lead to unrest.
The tenure of these chairmen was cut short following a Supreme Court ruling on March 18, 2025. The court invalidated the local government elections that took place on October 5, 2024, leading to their removal from office. The decision created tensions within the state’s political landscape, adding to the existing power struggle.
Amid these developments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State last week. This move has further intensified the political situation. However, even before this declaration, Governor Fubara had instructed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize fresh local government elections. The elections are now scheduled for August 9, 2025.
