Rivers State Assembly to Extend LGA Tenure Amid Election Delays

The Rivers State House of Assembly has again amended the Rivers State Local Government Law to extend the tenure of elected local government chairmen and Councilors if elections do not hold before the end of their tenures.

Commenting on the Bill, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule posited that the intendment of the Bill is to amend Section 9(2), (3) and (4)of the Principal Law to empower the House of Assembly via resolution to extend the tenure of elected Chairmen and Councilors.

The House passed the bill today after a debate by the lawmakers. Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule said the amendment to ensure that Local Government elections are conducted before the expiration of the outgoing Local Government administration and to ensure an uninterrupted democratic administration at the Local Government level. 

Mr Amaewhule said at the end of the tenure of the outgoing Local Government administration, the Governor shall swear in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the Councils, but where the Governor is unable or fails to perform the duty, the House shall mandate Judicial Officers or Magistrates to perform the task.