Rivers APC Appeals To Governor Fubara For The Dissolution Of LG Caretaker Committees

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to comply with last week’s Supreme Court ruling, which declared the operation of caretaker committees in local government areas illegal…>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE

Olobarimate Ollor, a former local government chairman, stated that the ruling allows the reinstatement of LG chairmen and supports the six-month tenure extension previously granted by the state House of Assembly. Since June 16, the 23 LG secretariats in Rivers State have been under police occupation following the expiration of the elected chairmen’s terms.

Despite attempts to extend their tenure under a new law, Governor Fubara appointed caretaker committees to manage the secretariats until elections are held in October. Currently, police have restricted access to the secretariats for both the former chairmen and the caretaker appointees.

Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, confirmed that police will maintain control of the LG secretariats pending further court decisions.

The Supreme Court ruled against the use of caretaker committees in a case initiated by the Federal Government against the 36 states. Chibuike Ikenga, Publicity Secretary of the Rivers APC Caretaker Committee, reiterated the need for Governor Fubara to disband the caretaker committees and respect the court’s judgment.

Ikenga emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision is final and constitutional, calling for compliance with the ruling. He criticized Governor Fubara for undermining local governments and their financial allocations.

He noted previous instances where Fubara publicly rejected court judgments, including a recent Court of Appeal ruling, raising concerns about the governor’s adherence to the law.

Former Eleme Local Government Chairman Olobarimate Ollor also supported the Supreme Court’s ruling and accused Governor Fubara of withholding local government funds, which adversely affected their operations.

“During our last three months in office, the governor withheld funds, with significant delays affecting several LGs. This ruling is essential to ensure proper governance and prevent misuse of local government resources,” Ollor stated.

When asked about his potential return to office due to the tenure extension, Ollor indicated that the Attorney-General of the Federation would provide clarity on the situation.

“Given the Supreme Court’s position, if the law permits our extension, we should be allowed to continue serving until elections are held. The governor’s caretaker committees should not undermine our mandate,” he concluded.

In other news, former President Donald Trump shared his experience of surviving an assassination attempt during a rally in Pennsylvania, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He urged Americans to unite against evil and reaffirmed his commitment to attend the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.>>>CONTINUE FULL READING HERE