Tension is escalating in Rivers State as former local government chairmen from 21 out of 23 LGAs have vowed to reclaim their offices on Monday, March 3, 2025, citing legal backing from the Martins Amaewhule-led legislature.

 

In a widely circulated video, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, former chairman of Ikwerre LGA, insisted that their tenure was legally extended by the Rivers State House of Assembly and upheld by the Supreme Court. However, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has countered this move, directing Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to take over all 23 LGAs following the Supreme Court’s nullification of local government elections conducted by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

 

The Supreme Court ruling also recognized the Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers as the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, intensifying the power struggle. Fubara, while disagreeing with the ruling, has assured that his government will comply with the law.

 

With two opposing factions—one backing the governor’s leadership and the other aligned with the legislature—the state faces potential legal battles and administrative clashes. Security agencies are expected to be on high alert as the political crisis unfolds.