In a powerful display of unity, the immediate past chairmen of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State visited Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday to reaffirm their unwavering loyalty and support for his administration. The visit, which took place at the governor’s private residence in Port Harcourt, was a bold statement of commitment to the “Rivers First” agenda under Fubara’s leadership.
Led by Ezebunwo Ichemati, the former Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, and ex-chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, the delegation expressed their continued dedication to Fubara’s mandate. The former chairmen, in high spirits, urged the people of Rivers to stand firm in their support for the governor despite ongoing political challenges.
During the visit, Ichemati emphasized the importance of unity among Rivers people at this pivotal moment in the state’s political history. “Now is the time for Rivers people to stay united and law-abiding, so we do not give room to those plotting against our state’s progress,” he stated.
This solidarity visit comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s March 18 ruling, which invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections that brought the chairmen into office. Following the judgment, Governor Fubara directed the ex-chairmen to vacate their positions, while the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has scheduled fresh elections for August 9, 2025.
Despite the legal setback, the ex-chairmen’s visit signifies their steadfast allegiance to Governor Fubara and their ongoing commitment to supporting the state’s leadership through these trying times.
