Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has instructed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize new local government elections following recent Supreme Court rulings on the state’s political dispute.
In a statewide address on Sunday, Fubara acknowledged that while his administration does not agree with the court’s decision, it remains committed to upholding the rule of law.
He stated that once the official copies of the judgment are received—anticipated by Friday, March 7, 2025—the government will review and implement them as required.
As a temporary measure, the governor directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to take over leadership in the 23 local government areas until fresh elections are conducted.
He also instructed the outgoing local government chairmen to hand over by Monday, March 3, 2025.
“Since the law prohibits caretaker committees for local governments, I am directing the Heads of Local Government Administration to assume responsibility for the 23 councils until RSIEC conducts new elections,” Fubara declared.
He reassured residents that his administration is working to maintain stability and continue governance, urging them to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear.
This development comes amid growing political uncertainty in Rivers State, as stakeholders await the implementation of the Supreme Court’s verdicts and the timeline for new local government elections.