• State govt kicks off preparations for council elections
• A’Court reserves judgment in Amaewhule’s suit
After their inauguration by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the interim committee chairmen for the 23 local councils have gone on to inaugurate their respective seven-man committee members in their various local council areas.
The move is aimed at facilitating a swift and effective takeover of responsibilities, enabling the new leadership to hit the ground running.
The chairmen, determined to fully comply with the governor’s directive to take control of their respective council areas, have taken swift action by dissolving all existing committees and issuing a stern warning against any unauthorised dealings or transactions outside of their official duties. By leaving no stone unturned, they aim to assert their authority and ensure a smooth transition.
The Guardian reports that the inauguration of the Caretaker Committee (CTC) chairmen in the state was met with jubilation in some parts, following the expiration of the tenure of the previously elected chairmen.
The Guardian gathered that some of the chairmen didn’t hesitate to swear in their committee members, while others opted for a delayed inauguration, holding theirs yesterday.
In his inaugural address in Bori, the CTC Chairman of Khana, Marvin Yobana, urged all stakeholders to work together, highlighting that Fubara has ordered a comprehensive audit of Khana Local Council’s activities for the past three years, expressing a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
MEANWHILE, there are indications that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) may have begun the initial process for the conduct of local council elections in the state.
Recently, a memo for a public notice was issued, inviting stakeholders, including political parties and traditional rulers, to a meeting to unveil the timetable and guidelines for the 2024 Local Council elections.
The public notice was signed by the Chairman/Chief Electoral Commissioner of RSIEC, Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd).
Enebeli in the notice called on all political parties and stakeholders to attend a meeting fixed for next month.
The meeting would aim to discuss the upcoming local government elections and the commission’s preparations for a smooth and successful electoral process.
HOWEVER, the Court of Appeal, Abuja, has reserved judgement in the appeal brought by the former Speaker of the River State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and 24 others against the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and five others.
The court decided to adjourn after all parties involved in the case presented their arguments.
During the virtual session, held yesterday, Amaewhule and the others requested the court to halt the implementation of a high court ruling that removed them from office, pause any further actions in the case and nullify any decisions made by Jumbo while in office.
They also sought a speedy resolution of the matter, arguing that the trial court overstepped its authority. After listening to the submission of the lawyers in the appeal, the three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada reserved a date for judgement to be communicated to parties in the suit.
Additionally, the appeal court instructed that no other court, including the State High Court, should handle the case until a final decision was reached.
Recall that a Rivers State High Court, in Port Harcourt, had prohibited Amaewhule from acting as the Speaker of the State Assembly, following a motion by the new Speaker, Victor Jumbo, and two others, declaring Amaewhule’s seat vacant.
