Fubara Wins Again As Court Nullifies Extension of Rivers LG Chairmen’s Tenure

By Tobi Folorunsho

The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on Tuesday nullified the extension of local government Chairmen’s tenure.

Justice Kio in suit No. PHC/1320/CS/2024 Between Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam & 6 Ors .V The Governor of Rivers State & Ors. held that the Local Government law No. 2 of 2024, purporting to extend the tenure of Local Government Chairmen for 6 months after the expiration of their tenure is invalid.

He noted that the extension is inconsistent with the 1999 constitution and section 9 (1) of the Rivers State Local Government law No. 5 of 2018.

The Court further held that the applicable law in the circumstances is the Rivers State Local Government law No. 5 of 2018 that fixed three years tenure for local Government chairmen and councillors and not the local government law No 2 of 2024 which was enacted to unlawfully extend their tenure.

FactualTimes gathered the tenure of 21 local government Chairmen and Councillors would end on July 17, 2024.

Recall that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as Rivers State Governor sworn-in the council leaders on July 17, 2021.

In a related development, Rivers State House of Assembly today screened eight new commissioner-nominees. The names forwarded to the Assembly following resignation of commissioners loyal to Wike.