Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to continually protect patriotic supporters and resist any grand plan of arrest, News About Nigeria reports.
The governor made this promise while speaking to newsmen at the end of a security council meeting with heads of security agencies in Port Harcourt.
He disclosed that the security council meeting was called because of the threat to the peace of the state brewing from the tenure expiration of the outgoing local government council chairmen.
The governor maintained that there is no provision for tenure elongation for elected local government chairmen in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, adding that the law on local government tenure is unambiguous.
He stated that he would continue to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state and protect all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.
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.
“We will fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state while protecting all 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’s tenure in it. The court says so,” he stated.
Recall that Fubara directed heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over from the elected council chairmen, whose three-year tenure elapsed on Monday.
Fubara gave the directive in a state broadcast on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
He said the decision ties in with the Constitution’s provisions and the need to ensure peace and order in the state. Fubara appreciated the efforts and dedication of the council chairmen to public service.
