Political Standoff in Rivers State: Samuel Nwanosike Defies Governor, Vows to Remain in Office

In a surprising turn of events, Samuel Nwanosike, the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, has declared his intention to defy the expiration of his tenure and remain in office until the appeal court gives its ruling.

Nwanosike’s decision comes in the wake of a political crisis that has engulfed the state, pitting Governor Siminalayi Fubara against the former council boss and his supporters. The crux of the matter revolves around the expiration of the tenures of the elected council officials in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State on June 17, 2024.

The executive chairman of Ikwerre local government area had previously stated that he would not vacate his office at the expiration of his tenure, citing an extension of tenure authorized by state lawmakers under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule. In a viral video released on June 14, Nwanosike addressed the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stating his refusal to vacate his position.

Nwanosike justified his decision by referring to the newly amended state local government law, which gave the council’s elected officials a six-month extension if the state governor failed to conduct local government elections. The state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had vetoed the past amendment, but the Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly passed it into law after 30 days.

However, the chairman’s threat came against the recent judgment of the state High Court, which declared the new amendment unconstitutional, null and void, and of no effect. The court’s judgment also declared the six-month tenure elongation provided for in the new amendment as invalid.

In a surprising twist, the Court of Appeal refused to reverse the removal of Martin Amaewhule and 24 others as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Instead, it asked the parties involved to maintain the status quo and adjourned the hearing until July.

The political standoff has led to a tense situation in the state, with armed groups threatening to force out the council chairmen over the expiration of their tenures. The leader of an armed group specifically called on Nwanosike to prepare and wait for the group, vowing that he (the group leader) would be present at the council secretariat.

As the political drama unfolds in Rivers State, all eyes are on the Court of Appeal as it prepares to hear the appeal on July 20, 2024. The outcome of the appeal will have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape, and the future of Samuel Nwanosike’s tenure as the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area hangs in the balance.