Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued a stern warning to caretaker committee chairmen in the 23 local government areas of the state, stating that any chairman who fails to empower their people will be removed.
Fubara delivered this warning at the unveiling of an empowerment programme in the Ikwerre Local Government Area on Saturday.
He emphasised that the primary duty of the CTC chairmen is to serve their people and make them feel the presence of the government.
Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly faction loyal to him, Victor Oko-Jumbo, Fubara said he expected the chairmen to replicate his empowerment efforts in their respective LGAs.
Oko-Jumbo highlighted Governor Fubara’s strong response to the August 1 hunger protest, showcasing his connection with the people. He stressed that officials must follow the governor’s lead by increasing empowerment initiatives in their local governments.
“Any caretaker committee chairman that is not empowering his people will be removed,” he stated. “Your duty is to your people first. Today, we are here to witness that empowerment, which was the instruction the governor gave.”
Speaking in his capacity as Speaker, Oko-Jumbo assured the governor of uninterrupted support until 2027 and beyond. He praised the unified leadership of Ikwerre LGA for standing firm with the governor, resulting in development for the people.
Oko-Jumbo stated, “Let me use this medium to assure our people that the Rivers State House Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, will continue to give the governor the needed support so that the state must succeed until 2027. We will ensure that the governor will have uninterrupted four years of governance in this state. And if permitted, he will have another four years.”
He warned that the State House of Assembly under his leadership will not hesitate to summon any council chairman who fails to take the issue of empowerment in their domain seriously.
Earlier, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, Dr Darlington Orji, said the unveiling of the empowerment programme fulfilled his long-held desire to enhance security in the council. He disclosed that, as part of efforts to improve security, he had presented operational vehicles to six police divisions in the council, including the Department of State Services.
Orji emphasised that peace and security are essential for progress, pointing out that his administration is committed to achieving that vision.