With the tenure of the elected Chairmen of the 23 Local Government Area of Rivers State having ended midnight Monday, June 17, 2024, the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over the leadership of the Local Government Councils.

Fubara gave this directive on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 via an early morning broadcast monitored in Port Harcourt by Kristina Reports.

“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.

“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.”

The Governor congratulated the outgone Local Government Chairmen on the successful completion of their tenure, thanking them for the service to their respective LGAs and wished well in the future endeavours.

“I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17″ of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.

“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors.”

There was palpable tension across the State as some of the outgone Chairmen threatened to remain in office beyond Monday, June 17, 2024 alluding to the purported extension of their tenures by the erstwhile members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

There were, however, counter threats by several non-state actors who dared them and promised to meet them at the Local Council Secretariats with even some of the LG Councils such as Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Degema LGAs already occupied by indigenes of the area.

This move by the Governor appears targeted at dousing the tension across the State while all involved in the political crisis in the State await the decision of the Appeal Court in the plethora of cases before it.

Already, sources have hinted Kristina Reports that a list of seven-member interim management teams have been forwarded to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo for screening and confirmation for them to assume office after the Appeal Court decision on Thursday, June 20, 2024.