Fubara swears in 23 caretaker chairmen after forceful eviction of Wike’s men

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, on Wednesday, swore in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

 

The governor inaugurated the new caretaker chairmen hours after the House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker, Victor Jumbo, screened and confirmed the nominees.

 

Governor Fubara had forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday and the nominees were invited for screening as early as 8 am on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West.

 

The nomination came amid a renewed political crisis in the state, as former council chairmen have refused to vacate their offices after their tenure expired.

 

The swearing-in took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, amid tight security.

 

The first batch of eleven caretaker chairmen took their oath of office before other batches came in to also take their oath.

 

See the names of the caretaker chairmen nominated by Fubara below:

 

1. Abua/Odua LGA – Madigai Dickson

 

2. Ahoada East LGA – Happy Benneth

 

3. Ahoada West LGA – Mr. Daddy John Green

 

4. Akuku Toru LGa – Otonye Briggs

 

5. Andoni LGA – Reginald Ekaan

 

6. Asari Toru LGA – Orolosoma Amachree

 

7. Bonny LGA – Alabota Anengi Barasua

 

 

8. Degema LGA – Anthony Soberekon

 

9. Eleme LGA – Brain Gokpa

 

10. Emouha LGA – David Omereji

 

11. Etche LGA – John Otamiri

 

12. Gokana LGA – Kenneth Kpeden

 

13. Ikwerre LGA – Darlington Orji

 

14. Khana LGA – Marvin Yobana

 

15. Obia/Akpor LGA – Chijioke Ihunwo

 

16. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA – Princewill Ejekwe

 

17. Ogu/Bolo LGA – Evans Bipi

 

18. Okrika LGA – Princess Ogan

 

19. Omuma LGA – Promise Reginald

 

20. Opobo/Nkoro LGA – Enyiada Cookey-Gam

 

21. Oyigbo LGA – – Gogo Philip

 

 

22. Port Harcourt LGA – Ichemati Ezebunwo

 

23. Tai LGA – Matthew Dike

 

The crisis in the state worsened on Tuesday as protesting youths loyal to Fubara dislodged chairmen who refused to leave their offices.

 

A policeman was killed at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Area during a clash between supporters of Fubara and those of his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

 

To prevent further breakdown of law and order, the police announced on Tuesday evening that they had taken over the 23 council secretariats.