By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia Reporter, Port Harcourt
GOVERNOR SIMINALAYI Fubara of Rivers State has officially sworn in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas.
The ceremony was held on Sunday at the Executive Council Chamber of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The event came just hours after the chairmen received their certificates of return from Adolphus Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
The swearing-in follows Saturday’s local government elections, which took place amid heightened tension across the state.
The election saw the Action Peoples Party (APP) secure 22 out of the 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed one seat.
Despite the tense atmosphere, there were no reported incidents of major disruptions or violence, though concerns about fairness and transparency had been raised before and after the polls.
Governor Fubara, during his address at the swearing-in, urged the newly elected council chairmen to focus on grassroots development and ensure effective governance at the local level.
He emphasized that their roles are crucial in delivering essential services to the people, particularly in addressing local infrastructure, healthcare, and education challenges.
He also called on the chairmen to foster unity and peace within their respective areas, as local governments play a significant role in maintaining social harmony and security.
Noting that his remarks come amid growing calls for local governments to take more proactive roles in tackling the state’s pressing issues, the Governor urged the newly elected council chairmen to prioritize grassroots development and address local challenges in governance.
He noted that from inadequate road networks to water scarcity and waste management, many residents have expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress in their communities, Fubara acknowledged these concerns, stating that the new council leadership must be responsive to the people’s needs and work in line with his administration’s broader goals for state-wide development.
Adolphus Enebeli, RSIEC Chairman, in his earlier remarks during the issuance of certificates of return, praised the conduct of the election, describing it as peaceful despite the prevailing tensions.
He commended the electorate for their participation and the electoral officials for their professionalism.
Oppositions Relay Concerns
However, opposition parties and some civil society organizations have voiced concerns, accused the electoral body of bias and alleged irregularities in the election process.
The lone seat won by the Action Alliance (AA) was in a closely contested race, highlighting the competitive nature of the election in certain areas.
Though the ruling Action Peoples Party (APP) dominated the polls, the AA’s victory signals that opposition forces remain present at the local government level.
Political analysts suggest that the overwhelming win by the APP reinforces the party’s dominance in Rivers State politics, a trend seen in previous elections.
Caution for New Council Chairmen
However, they also caution that the new council chairmen must live up to expectations, as the electorate will be watching closely to see if their promises translate into action.
Failure to deliver on key issues could result in increased political pressure or electoral consequences in future elections.
As the newly elected officials take up their roles, the focus now shifts to how they will address the immediate challenges facing their constituencies.
Before now, local governments across Rivers State have been grappling with inadequate funding and administrative challenges, often hampering their ability to deliver services effectively.
In his speech, Governor Fubara pledged the state government’s support to ensure that the chairmen have the resources and capacity to succeed, but he also reminded them that they would be held accountable for their actions.
He said the swearing-in marks a significant moment for the newly elected chairmen, with the task of governing at the grassroots level seen as a critical step in achieving overall progress in Rivers State.
He also encouraged Rivers’ citizens to be hopeful that the new leadership will bring about positive change, particularly in areas where development has been slow or stagnant.
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