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Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has stated that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution has no provision for tenure elongation for elected local government chairmen.
This statement comes after the governor ordered the heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen, whose three-year tenure expired on Monday.
Fubara issued this directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Fubara said the decision aligns with the constitution’s provisions and aims to ensure peace and order in the state.
According to him, “We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.
“The law on local government tenure is unambiguous. The court clearly affirmed the position of the law.
“The law is the law; there is no extension of the local government’s tenure in it. The court says so.”
The governor promised to protect his supporters and resist any “grand plan to arrest” them.
