Just In: Fubara swears in Rivers Caretaker Committee Chairmen

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sworn in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

The swearing-in was done today at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, amid vigilant security.

This medium gathered that the first batch of 11 CTC chairmen were taking their oath of office.

The CTC chairman’s swearing-in comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo.

The lawmakers had reportedly invited the nominees for screening as early as 8 am on Wednesday.

The development adds a new twist to the political brawl in the state months after the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill into law.

While the governor did not assent to the bill, the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule vetoed him.

The law empowered the Rivers State Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councillors where it is likely impossible to hold elections before the end of their three-year tenure.

But a court annulled the amended law, prompting an appeal. The appeal court is set to deliver a ruling on the matter on June 20, 2024.