Rivers State Governor Fubara Swears in New Local Government Chairmen, Orders Payment of Outstanding Salaries

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has recently sworn in the newly appointed Caretaker Committee Chairmen (CTC) of the various Local Government Councils in the state. The swearing-in ceremony, which took place on June 19, 2024, marked the beginning of a new era in local governance.

During the ceremony, Governor Fubara directed the heads of administration in the 23 Local Government Areas to take charge of the councils, following the end of the tenure of the former chairmen. He also mandated the newly appointed CTC chairmen to pay all backlogs of salaries and entitlements of the immediate past Local Government Area (LGA) Chairmen and their councilors.

This move comes amidst a political crisis in the state that has pitted Governor Fubara against loyalists of his predecessor, Mr. Nyesom Wike. The tenure of the 23 Local Government Chairmen elapses in June 2024, but they are not making plans to vacate office when that time comes. They are hanging on to an Amendment of the Local Government Law by the state legislature which elongated their tenure by 6 months if elections are not conducted.

Governor Fubara’s directive to pay the outstanding salaries and entitlements of the former chairmen and councilors is seen as a humane gesture and a step towards resolving the ongoing political crisis in the state. It also aligns with his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power and the continued delivery of governance at the grassroots level.

The newly appointed CTC chairmen have been tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the affairs of their respective Local Government Areas and ensuring the prompt payment of salaries and entitlements to the outgoing chairmen and councilors. This move is expected to alleviate the financial strain on the former chairmen and councilors and foster a more stable political environment in the state.

As the new CTC chairmen take charge of their respective councils, all eyes are on Governor Fubara to see how he navigates the political landscape in Rivers State and what other steps he will take to ensure the continued development and progress of the state.