The Rivers State Government will today, Sunday, swear in the 23 local government chairmen who were declared winners in Saturday’s Local Government Council elections.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced that the Action Peoples Party (APP) won all 23 local government chairmanship seats in the recently concluded elections.
The party is made up of loyalists of the governor who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party after Fubara fell out with his estranged godfather, former governor, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, it was confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony would take place at 4 p.m. at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the newly elected chairmen are expected to be seated by 3:30 p.m. each with one guest.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State, will today swear in the newly elected Council Chairmen at the Executive Council Chambers,” the statement read.
RSIEC reported that the election was conducted smoothly and was largely peaceful.
However, despite the peaceful nature of the elections, some critics have questioned the fairness of the process, citing the complete dominance of the APP in all local government areas.
In response to these concerns, RSIEC reaffirmed its commitment to free and fair elections.
The commission praised the smooth conduct of the elections and expressed its satisfaction with the results.
“We are confident that the process was transparent and fair. The people of Rivers State have spoken, and we congratulate the winners,” said a representative from RSIEC.
In a statement following the elections, Fubara congratulated the winners and reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting local governments.
“Local government is the closest tier of government to the people. My administration is committed to ensuring that local governments in Rivers State are empowered to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people,” Fubara said.
He also called on the newly elected chairmen to work for the betterment of their communities.
“We expect all chairmen to serve their communities diligently, transparently, and with a focus on development. The people have entrusted you with their mandate, and you must not disappoint them,” he added.
