– Wike Loses Grip, Political Structure Gradually Collapses
Despite the tension, rancor and acrimony that trailed the June, 17, expiration of the tenure of Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State, the Governor, Simi Fubara, yesterday appointed 23 Transition Committee Chairmen to preside over the affairs of the various local government councils in the State.
The Governor’s move, was preceded by legal fire works from both sides, as the Barr
Edison Ehie led House of Assembly that was sacked by the court had earlier extended the tenure of local government chairman by six months. However, all legislative and other administration actions and decisions taken by Ehie and his group as Speaker and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly respectively were declared illegal, null and void and of no effect by a court of competent jurisdiction on the ground that, they had lost their seats as legislators by virtue of their defection from the Peoples Democratic party PDP, the platform on they were elected in to the House, to the All Progressive Congress APC, in solidarity with their principal Nyesom Wike, former Governor of the State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, who has been at logger heads with the incumbent Governor.
There are reports that, following refusal of the former Local Government Chairman to vacate their offices at the expiration of their constitutional tenure, headquarters of the various local government councils in the state, were barricaded by armed youths who prevented the former Chairmen from gaining entrance amidst sporadic shooting.
The crisis that erupted in Rivers State right from when the incumbent Governor who was said to be Wike’s stooge and confidant assumed office, reportedly stems from the fact that he refused to allow Wike who was Governor for 8 years to still dictate the pace, thereby holding the oil rich state to ransom.
Some political pundits who commented on the current development, said, “Governor Fubara, has, by this bold and audacious move consolidated his hold on power while Nyesom Wike, despite his shenanigans, has lost out the same way his political structure has collapsed, whether or not he believes it”.
Below is a comprehensive list and photographs of the newly sworn-in chairmen of the 23 Local Government Areas in Rivers State. Hon. Madigai Dickson – Abua/Odual LGA, Hon. Happy Benneth- Ahoada-East, Hon. Daddy John Green – Ahoada-West, Barr. Otonye Briggs – Akuku Toru LGA, Barr. Reginald Ekaan – Andoni LGA, Hon. Orolosama Peter Amachree – Asari-Toru LGA, Alabota Anengi Barasua – Bonny LGA, Anthony Soberekon – Degema LGA, Brain Gokpa – Eleme LGA, David Omereji – Emohua LGA, John Otamiri Nkugbo – Etche LGA, Kenneth Kpeden – Gokana LGA, Hon. Dr. Darlington Orji – Ikwerre LGA, Amb. Marvin Yobana – Khana LGA, Amb Ihunwo Chijioke – Obio/Akpor, Hon. Princewill Ejekwe – ONELGA, RT. Hon. Evans Bipi – Ogu-Bolo LGA, Princess Ib Ogan – Okrika LGA, RT. Hon. Promise Reginald – Omuma LGA, Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam – Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Hon. Gogo Philip – OYIGBO LGA, Hon. Ezebunwo Ichemati – PHA LGA, Hon. Matthew Dike – Tai LGA.
