Amaewhule-led Assembly directs police to arrest ‘impostor’ caretaker chairmen

In a recent development that has gripped the attention of the Rivers State, the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the police to arrest persons parading themselves as the caretaker committee chairmen of the 23 local government areas in the state. This move comes despite a Supreme Court judgement declaring them illegal.

The drama began when Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State issued a directive for heads of the local government administration to assume control of the state’s 23 council areas. This followed the expiration of the statutory three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors. The governor instructed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take charge of the councils promptly and with renewed commitment.

However, the Amaewhule-led Assembly has frowned at the continued stay in office of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen (CTC) despite the Supreme Court judgement. They have called on the police to arrest these individuals, adding another twist to the political crisis in the state.

Rivers State Assembly Chairmen Controversy: A Political Drama Unfolds

Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has sworn in 23 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, amid tight security. The first batch of 11 CTC chairmen took their oath of office, with the remaining to follow suit.

This situation has led to tension in the state, with youths allegedly loyal to Governor Fubara taking over all the council secretariats in the state and preventing council chairpersons from gaining entrance. The tenure of the chairpersons had elapsed on June 17, 2024.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Victor Oko Jumbo-led, had invited 23 persons to appear before the house for screening as CTC chairmen, and seven persons from each of the 23 LGAs to appear as caretaker committee members.

The political drama continues to unfold in Rivers State, with the state assembly and the governor at loggerheads over the caretaker committee chairmen. The situation is further complicated by the Supreme Court judgement declaring these chairmen illegal.