Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated 23 new caretaker chairmen for the local government areas in the state. The ceremony took place on Wednesday at the Government House in Port Harcourt, the state capital, under tight security.

The swearing-in, conducted in the Council Chambers, began with the first batch of 11 caretaker chairmen taking their oath of office. This event followed Governor Fubara’s submission of the nominee list to the state House of Assembly, led by factional Speaker Victor Jumbo, a day earlier. The lawmakers began screening the nominees early Wednesday morning.

Below is the list of caretaker chairmen appointed by Governor Fubara:

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

This development is the latest twist in the ongoing political crisis in the state. Months earlier, the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment Bill, which Governor Fubara did not sign. The Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, overrode his veto, granting itself the power to extend the tenure of council chairpersons and their deputies when elections could not be held before their three-year terms ended. However, a court later nullified this law, leading to an appeal with a ruling expected on June 20, 2024.

The tenure extension has sparked tension, with local chairpersons Rowland Sekibo of Akuku-Toru and Onengiyeofori George of Asari-Toru calling for peace after youths barricaded their council secretariats. They assert their tenures were lawfully extended by the Assembly.