Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said there is no provision for tenure elongation for elected local government chairmen in the 1999 Constitution (as Amended).
Mr Fubara made this known while addressing journalists 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 chairmen.
He said, “We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while protecting 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.’’
The governor promised to protect his supporters and resist any “grand plan to arrest” them.
Mr 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 governor earlier directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen whose three-year tenure ended on Monday.
Mr Fubara gave the directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the decision aligned with the constitution’s provision and the need to ensure peace and order in the state.
He appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.