Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGA) to immediately assume control of the administration of all 23 local government areas in the state. This directive follows the Supreme Court judgment mandating the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold the state’s allocations.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, Governor Fubara ordered the outgoing local government chairmen to officially hand over to the HLGAs by Monday, March 3, 2025. The governor stated that this action was necessary due to the court’s outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system.
The governor emphasized that while his administration disagrees with the Supreme Court’s decision, it is committed to obeying the ruling as a law-abiding government. Fubara assured the people that his government will carefully study the certified true copy of the judgment once available and take necessary steps for its implementation.
Although the governor expressed regret that the state seems to be back in trying times, he urged citizens to remain calm and continue their daily activities peacefully. He reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing good governance for the welfare of the people.