In a significant move that has drawn widespread attention across Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has directed all elected local government chairpersons in the state to immediately hand over their positions to Local Government Area (LGA) administrators. The directive comes on the heels of a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, which nullified the local government election held on October 5, 2024. Governor Fubara’s decision sets the stage for the organization of fresh elections across the 23 local government councils in the state.
Fubara’s Statement on the Transition
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Governor Fubara expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition in local government administration. He announced that the newly appointed LGA administrators would take over the responsibilities of the chairpersons, pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). The governor stressed that this move is in line with the recent Supreme Court ruling, which declared the October 2024 local government election as invalid.
“Given the outlawing of caretaker arrangements in the local government system, I hereby direct the heads of local government administration to immediately take over the administration of the 23 local government councils pending the conduct of fresh elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission,” Fubara stated.
This announcement follows a controversial period after the October 2024 local government elections, which were marred by disputes and claims of electoral malpractice. The Supreme Court’s decision to nullify the election has placed a significant burden on the state government to restore legitimacy to the local government councils and ensure that the electoral process is conducted fairly and transparently.
The Legal Backdrop: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, February 28, 2025, struck down the results of the October 2024 local government elections, which had been conducted under the tenure of the previous administration. The court’s judgment stated that the election process did not meet constitutional and legal standards, rendering it invalid. As a result, the elected chairpersons were removed from office, with immediate effect, and their powers suspended.
This ruling is particularly significant as it reinforces the legal principle that local government elections must be free, fair, and conducted according to the rule of law. The court’s decision also aligns with ongoing efforts to restore credibility and trust in the electoral process in Rivers State.
The Role of Local Government Administrators
With the Supreme Court ruling in effect, the Rivers State government has appointed new Local Government Area administrators to oversee the day-to-day activities of the 23 councils in the state. These administrators, who are typically career civil servants, are tasked with ensuring that local governance continues without disruption while preparations for fresh elections are underway. They are also expected to maintain peace, order, and the efficient running of the local councils.
The appointment of these administrators follows the outlawing of caretaker committees in the state, which were initially used to manage local governments in the absence of elected officials. Governor Fubara emphasized that this step is in accordance with the laws governing local government administration in Nigeria, ensuring that only duly elected representatives will hold office once new elections are conducted.
Implications for the People of Rivers State
For the people of Rivers State, the announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter in local government administration. The absence of elected officials has often been a point of contention for many residents, with accusations of poor governance and mismanagement. The return to democratic elections at the local level is seen as a positive move by many, as it promises to restore accountability and transparency in governance.
The governor’s directive is also expected to calm the political waters in the state, which had been stirred by the legal challenges to the October 2024 local government elections. It signals a firm commitment by the Fubara administration to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the electoral process remains fair and credible.
Next Steps: Preparation for Fresh Elections
As Governor Fubara indicated in his broadcast, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) will be responsible for organizing the fresh elections for the local governments. This will require extensive planning, logistical arrangements, and monitoring to ensure a transparent and successful electoral process. The RSIEC, which has faced criticism in the past over its handling of elections, will now have the critical task of restoring public confidence in the local electoral system.
It is anticipated that the fresh elections will be closely monitored by both local and international observers, given the heightened scrutiny surrounding the state’s political climate. Furthermore, political parties and candidates will be preparing for what is expected to be a highly competitive race for the 23 local government chairmanships and councillor positions.
Conclusion
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s decision to replace elected chairpersons with LGA administrators is a bold move aimed at ensuring that Rivers State’s local government councils function effectively while adhering to the rule of law. With fresh elections on the horizon, the people of Rivers State can look forward to the opportunity to elect new representatives who will be accountable to them. As the state moves towards a new electoral process, all eyes will be on the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct a free and fair election that will restore faith in local governance.
This transition is a critical moment in the political landscape of Rivers State, as it sets a precedent for the future of local government elections and governance in the region.
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