By Milcah Tanimu
The Local Government Area Chairmen in Rivers State have thrown their support behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) in calling for the Rivers State House of Assembly to swiftly initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
In a unified stance, the 21 LGA chairmen, operating under the umbrella of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Rivers State Chapter, emphasized the urgency of upholding democracy and the Rule of Law in the state.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of ALGON in the state, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, who also chairs the Port Harcourt City LGA, condemned the governor’s actions, particularly his withholding of allocations to the LGAs since April. Ihunda decried this as executive overreach and a violation of constitutional provisions.
Highlighting the governor’s directive to bypass democratically elected local government chairmen and directly manage salary payments, Ihunda asserted that such actions undermine the system of local government enshrined in the constitution.
Furthermore, Ihunda expressed concern over the governor’s defiance of a Federal High Court interim order, emphasizing the need for intervention by the Federal Government to prevent a breakdown of governance and law in Rivers State.
Echoing these sentiments, the Legal Adviser of ALGON, Chief Hon. Dr. Irastus Awoto, emphasized the chairmen’s determination to remain in office beyond their tenure expiration. Awoto cited legal provisions empowering them to stay in office for an additional six months in the absence of duly elected successors.
Awoto further highlighted the chairmen’s legal battle to ensure compliance with electoral processes and denounced threats of forceful eviction from office by the governor’s associates.
In summary, the Rivers State LG chairmen reiterated their commitment to upholding democratic principles and resisting attempts to undermine the constitutional framework governing local governance in the state.
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