Governor Similanayi Fubara has directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the 23 local government areas of the State.

This follows expiration of the three-year tenure of the immediate past local government chairmen.

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However, the affected council chairmen have said they would not vacate office, citing the law proclaimed by the Pro-Wike lawmakers.

The Rivers House of Assembly faction led by Martins Amaehwule, had amended the Local Government Administration Act to extend the tenure of the chairmen for 6 months over the refusal of Fubara administration to conduct fresh elections.

Although the governor fail to assent to the bill when the lawmakers transmitted it to him, they overrode him and passed it into law.

Tension built up in some local government secretariats on Monday when some groups took over the place and warned the chairmen not to come close to the council.

Governor Fubara in a state wide broadcast on Tuesday commended the outgone chairmen for their dedicated service to their respective local government areas and wished them well in their future endeavors.

“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.

“Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) are hereby
directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.

“I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and indeed Nigeria. It is my wish that we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.

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“Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which includes infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.

“I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17th of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Rives State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.

“I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavors.”

Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government of potentially creating a new wave of insurgency akin to Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria.

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Kwankwaso’s comments came in response to the ongoing situation in Kano, where security forces have shown support for the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

Speaking at the launch of an 82-kilometre rural road project in his hometown of Madobi, Kwankwaso emphasized that the people of Kano will resist any attempts to undermine their state’s authority.

“We have strong support from the people because they believe in us,” Kwankwaso stated.

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“The NNPP administration is dedicated to serving them wherever they have voted for us. We will not stand by while enemies of the state attempt to disrupt the peace. We will support the governor to ensure his success. Despite the challenges, he remains focused on his objectives.”

Kwankwaso further criticized certain individuals from Kano, whom he described as mentally unstable, for advising the Federal Government to impose a State of Emergency in Kano.

“This is the height of madness, and the peace-loving people of Kano will resist it,” he declared.

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He also addressed the political landscape leading up to 2027, warning that some politicians are already attempting to cause disruption.

“We would rather both sides lose than allow them to crush us. We are prepared to face any political victimization head-on. We are not afraid to be out of power; we remain politicians regardless of our position.”

Kwankwaso accused the Federal Government of heeding advice from unpatriotic Kano politicians, which he believes will lead to its failure.

He assured that the people of Kano will stand firm against any attempts to undermine the governor’s constitutional responsibilities.

“We are open to dialogue and reconciliation, but we will not tolerate intimidation or political harassment,” Kwankwaso warned.

“We know how to navigate the political landscape and will protect ourselves from any malicious actions.”

Muhajid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, has called on the outgoing chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Rivers State to accept the conclusion of their three-year tenure and vacate their positions.

Speaking during the 2024 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Port Harcourt on Monday, Dokubo emphasized that extending the tenures of the LG chairmen is unconstitutional.

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He highlighted that the chairmen’s terms ended on June 17th, and any attempt to prolong their stay in office would violate the oath they took.

Dokubo cautioned the former chairmen against provoking what he described as “people’s power,” warning that it could lead to serious consequences.

“The Local Government tenure has expired today (June 17, 2024). They should quietly go home. If they want to seek re-election according to the Constitution, they should pursue that route,” Dokubo stated.

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“There is no provision for tenure elongation in the Constitution. Their positions are tenure-bound, and that tenure has ended. They should not create unnecessary problems for the people of the state. I also advise young people not to allow themselves to be used.”

He urged the youth to understand their role in safeguarding the state’s interests against those who view their positions as personal estates. Dokubo asserted that Rivers State belongs to its people and cannot be dominated by any single individual.

“Only one person can be governor of Rivers State at a time. The people of Rivers State are greater than Muhajid Asari Dokubo, and Rivers State is greater than any individual. No one can take the people of Rivers State for granted,” he said.

Dokubo criticized those whose children are not actively involved in local issues, contrasting them with leaders like Nelson Mandela and others who have a personal stake in their communities.

“The people are demonstrating their power. They have taken over local government secretariats because it is about the people. No one can claim that we voted for a three-year tenure for a chairman and then expect the chairman to exceed that term by even one second,” he continued.

Dokubo assured that Rivers people are exercising their rights and will maintain control until new elections are conducted.

As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, Dr. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, the former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, has called on the Muslim faithfuls to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, which is the cornerstone of the festival.

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He made the call on Monday when he paid a visit to the Sultan of sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR.

Dr. Nnam while addressing Muslim faithful at Sultan Bello Mosque, emphasized the importance of Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, and reminded Muslims of the values of selflessness, generosity, and compassion.

He noted that the festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.

“Eid-el-Kabir is a time for reflection and a reminder of the virtues of sacrifice and devotion to the Almighty. I urge you all to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice not only during this period but in their everyday lives. Let us use this occasion to reach out to the less privileged and extend a helping hand to those in need.” he said.

He also called for unity and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths, stressing that such values are crucial for the development and harmony of the society.

“We must continue to promote understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect among ourselves, regardless of our religious or ethnic backgrounds. It is through unity and love that we can achieve lasting peace and progress in our communities,” he added.

Dr. Nnam also took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the Muslim community in Enugu State for their contributions towards the state’s development and for fostering peaceful coexistence.

He urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of their faith and to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and equity in all their dealings.

Nnam wished all Muslims a joyous and fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Samson Itodo, the executive director of Yiaga Africa, has advocated for the discontinuation of the use of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in Nigerian elections, citing the introduction of the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BIVAS) as a viable alternative.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics discussing the upcoming Edo and Ondo governorship elections later this year, Itodo highlighted the potential of BIVAS to revolutionize the electoral process.

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“BIVAS should render the PVC obsolete in our electoral system,” Itodo remarked, emphasizing the need for electoral laws to be updated to reflect these technological advancements.

Expressing concerns over logistical challenges faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Itodo noted that many of the 269,000 recently registered voters might not receive their PVCs in time for the Edo and Ondo elections.

He argued that voters should be allowed to use any valid means of identification, such as the National Identity Card, driver’s license, or passport, if their details are already captured in BIVAS.

“In the 2023 elections, numerous registered voters were disenfranchised due to uncollected PVCs, which is a violation of their rights,” Itodo stated.

He emphasized that disenfranchisement should not occur due to logistical challenges on INEC’s part.

“We have consistently advocated for the elimination of PVC dependency in elections. BIVAS provides an efficient means for voter accreditation,” Itodo asserted.

Regarding voter demographics, Itodo highlighted that 67% of the new registrants fall within the 18-34 age bracket. However, he lamented the low voter turnout among Nigerian youths, attributing it to factors such as insecurity and distrust in the electoral process.

Moving forward, Itodo stressed the importance of enhancing youth participation in elections and ensuring a seamless electoral process through technological innovation like BIVAS.

The push towards BIVAS represents a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system, potentially eliminating longstanding issues associated with PVC distribution and voter disenfranchisement.