|By Adejumo Adekunle-
- Says Only Elected Officials Can Govern Local Councils
- Cites Supreme Court Ruling on LG Autonomy
- Insists Governors Have No Authority Over Local Government Leadership
The Special Adviser on Public Communication to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has asserted that Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has no authority to determine who oversees local government councils in the state.
Olayinka emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution and the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy stipulate that only democratically elected chairmen and councillors can administer local governments, not state governors.
His reaction follows Fubara’s directive ordering all 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State to hand over immediately to the Heads of Local Government Administration. The governor’s decision was in line with the Supreme Court ruling that nullified their elections.
Delivering its verdict on Friday, Justice Jamilu Tukur of the Supreme Court invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections, which saw 23 chairmen and 319 councillors assume office.
However, in a state-wide broadcast on Sunday, Fubara announced that the Heads of Local Government Administration would manage council affairs until fresh elections are conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
“I have met with my legal team, and they assured me that the certified true copy of the judgment may be available by Friday, March 7, 2025,” Fubara stated. “Once received, we will review its implications and implement it accordingly to advance the state.”
He further directed all outgoing chairmen to officially transfer authority to the Heads of Personnel Management by Monday, March 3, 2025.
Reiterating his commitment to the rule of law, Fubara maintained that his administration has consistently adhered to constitutional provisions and due process.
Reacting, Olayinka countered that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the constitutional power to extend the tenure of elected local government officials.
“Governors can no longer dictate who runs local governments,” he told newsmen. “The Constitution and Supreme Court judgment on LG autonomy clearly state that ONLY DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED chairmen and councillors SHALL govern local councils.”
