In a ceremony that took place this afternoon, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in the 23 newly elected council chairmen, following their victory in the recently concluded local government elections. The swearing-in, which began at 4 pm in the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Port Harcourt, marks the official commencement of duties for the elected officials.
In a statement earlier released by Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government, it was announced that the chairmen, each accompanied by a guest, were expected to be seated by 3:30 pm.
Despite concerns over violence and minimal security presence during Saturday’s election, the Action Peoples Party (APP) emerged victorious, securing all 23 chairmanship positions. The elections, which were marred by gunshots, explosions, and protests in several areas, did not deter the substantial turnout of voters across the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had faced challenges leading up to the election, with court orders restricting the police and other security agencies from providing security during the poll. Nevertheless, the RSIEC ensured that the voting process proceeded with the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials, albeit in the absence of police protection.
The swearing-in ceremony follows an election day filled with tension, heightened by a brewing rivalry between the camps of Governor Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, adding to the pre-election drama. Despite this, the exercise concluded successfully, with Rivers State citizens now looking forward to the newly elected officials beginning their duties.
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