Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state. The inauguration took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, amid tight security.
The move comes amid a political crisis in the state, as former council chairmen have refused to vacate their offices after their tenure expired. The crisis escalated on Tuesday, with protesting youths loyal to Fubara dislodging chairmen who refused to leave their offices, resulting in the death of a policeman at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Area.
The police have taken over the 23 council secretariats to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
The new caretaker chairmen sworn in by Governor Fubara are:
1. Madigai Dickson – Abua/Odua LGA
2. Happy Benneth – Ahoada East LGA
3. Mr. Daddy John Green – Ahoada West LGA
4. Otonye Briggs – Akuku Toru LGA
5. Reginald Ekaan – Andoni LGA
6. Orolosoma Amachree – Asari Toru LGA
7. Alabota Anengi Barasua – Bonny LGA
8. Anthony Soberekon – Degema LGA
9. Brain Gokpa – Eleme LGA
10. David Omereji – Emouha LGA
11. John Otamiri – Etche LGA
12. Kenneth Kpeden – Gokana LGA
13. Darlington Orji – Ikwerre LGA
14. Marvin Yobana – Khana LGA
15. Chijioke Ihunwo – Obia/Akpor LGA
16. Princewill Ejekwe – Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA
17. Evans Bipi – Ogu/Bolo LGA
18. Princess Ogan – Okrika LGA
19. Promise Reginald – Omuma LGA
20. Enyiada Cookey-Gam – Opobo/Nkoro LGA
21. Gogo Philip – Oyigbo LGA
22. Ichemati Ezebunwo – Port Harcourt LGA
23. Matthew Dike – Tai LGA
The inauguration is seen as a move by Governor Fubara to assert his authority and restore order in the state. The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, with tensions running high between supporters of Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
