By Precious Akutamadu
Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers says there is no provision for tenure elongation for elected Local Government Chairmen in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as Amended).
Fubara made this known while addressing newsmen at the end of a security council meeting with heads of security agencies in Port Harcourt.
The governor said that the security council meeting was called because of the threat to the peace of the state brewing from the tenure expiration of the outgone local government councils chairmen.
”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 tenure in it. The court says so,” he said.
The govrnor promised to protect his supporters and resist any ”grand plan to arrest” them.
Fubara thanked the media and the peace-loving people of the state for their support, and urged everyone to continue to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the State.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports Fubara directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen whose three-year tenure elapsed on Monday.
Fubara gave the directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the decision ties with the Constitution’s provision and the need to ensure peace and order in the state. Fubara appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.
The police confirmed that the two people were killed in Omuma LGA during a clash.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the killings, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.
Iringe-Koko said in a statement that the two were killed during a bloody clash between supporters of two political groups at the council headquarters.
She said the police had now occupied the council secretariats to forestall violence.
The statement reads: “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various local government council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two political factions clashed over the tenure of council chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a police officer and a vigilante were killed.
“To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.
“Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.
“While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warns anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.
“We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.” (NAN)
