Rivers Crisis: Sacked LGA Chairmen Set for a Bold Takeover of Secretariats

Massive Political Showdown Looms as Sacked Rivers LGA Chairmen Plan Return

PORT HARCOURT – Rivers State is on the brink of a political showdown as sacked Local Government Chairmen vow to reclaim their positions following a game-changing court ruling.

The 23 dismissed chairmen, their deputies, and councillors have declared their readiness to take back control of their Local Government Secretariats after the Appeal Court overturned their removal, which was orchestrated by the Nyesom Wike-led administration in 2015.

10 Years of Legal Battles Finally Favors the Sacked Chairmen

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) conducted local government elections on May 23, 2015, towards the end of Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s administration. However, upon assuming office, Governor Nyesom Wike sacked all 23 elected LGA officials, citing legal irregularities.

A Federal High Court ruling on July 9, 2015, upheld their dismissal, declaring the election null and void. But in a dramatic twist, on February 28, 2025, the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt reversed the decision, ruling that the elections were legally conducted and their removal was unconstitutional.

Who Will Control the LGAs? Court Ruling Sparks Leadership Crisis

With the Supreme Court recently voiding the 2024 LGA elections, a power vacuum has emerged in Rivers State’s Local Government administration.

Speaking on behalf of the sacked chairmen, Hon. Benson Imie, the elected chairman of Andoni LGA, declared:

“Since the 2024 LGA elections have been annulled, vacancies now exist. As legally recognized officeholders from the 2015 elections, we are the rightful authorities to resume office immediately.”

The Appeal Court judgment (CA/PH/172/2024) emphasized that their dismissal violated fundamental human rights, reinforcing their claim to retake their positions.

“We Don’t Need a New Swearing-In” – Ukwoma Declares

Adding fuel to the heated political atmosphere, Reginald Ukwoma, the elected chairman of Etche LGA, dismissed the need for another swearing-in ceremony, stating:

“We were sworn into office in 2015. Our oath remains valid. Once we obtain the Certified True Copies of the court rulings, we will announce our official return to office.”

With the legal battle settled in their favor, the sacked-turned-restored chairmen are preparing for a bold takeover of their respective Local Government Secretariats.