Rivers State Governor Issues Stern Warning to Council Chairmen
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to Caretaker Committee Chairmen in the state’s 23 local government areas, threatening to remove any chairman who fails to empower their people. The governor made this pronouncement at the unveiling of an empowerment program in the Ikwerre Local Government Area on Saturday.
Fubara emphasized that the primary duty of the caretaker committee chairmen is to serve their people and make them feel the presence of the government. He was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly faction loyal to him, Victor Oko-Jumbo, who reiterated the governor’s stance, stating that officials must replicate the empowerment efforts in their respective local governments.
The governor’s warning is in response to the recent hunger protests on August 1, which Oko-Jumbo highlighted as evidence of Fubara’s strong connection with the people. Oko-Jumbo stated that "any caretaker committee chairman that is not empowering his people will be removed." He emphasized that officials’ primary duty is to their people, noting that they must follow the governor’s lead in increasing empowerment initiatives in their local governments.
Furthermore, Oko-Jumbo assured Fubara of uninterrupted support from the state’s House of Assembly, stating that they will ensure the governor remains in power until 2027, with the possibility of an additional four-year tenure.
Meanwhile, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Dr Darlington Orji, expressed gratitude to Fubara for the empowerment program, which he said fulfilled his long-held desire to enhance security in the council. As part of efforts to improve security, he had presented operational vehicles to six police divisions, including the Department of State Services.
Orji reiterated the importance of peace and security in the community, emphasizing that his administration is committed to achieving this vision.
This latest warning serves as a reminder to local government leaders to prioritize the welfare and development of their communities. As the state’s governing party continues to implement policies to better the lives of its citizens, one thing is clear: Governor Siminalayi Fubara means business.
