By Chukwuemeka Umesi
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In a bold move, the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to arrest individuals parading themselves as Caretaker Committee (CTC) chairmen and members in the state. This decisive action follows the Supreme Court’s recent judgment outlawing the use of CTCs to run local governments, a move aimed at promoting democratic governance and accountability.
During Monday’s plenary session, lawmakers led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule vehemently condemned the continued activities of the CTC, describing them as impostor’s unknown to the law. They expressed grave concern that these individuals pose as local government chairmen, withdrawing funds meant for legitimate councils and squandering them.
This brazen disregard for the law has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action.”We will not fold our arms and condone this crass disregard to the laws of the State and the judgement of the Supreme Court of the land by some impostors,” Amaewhule emphasized.
“The Tenth Rivers State House of Assembly in accordance with the provisions of Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered, only democratically elected officials are to manage the Local Government Councils. “The lawmakers warned banks, traditional rulers, government agencies, NGOs, and
businesses in Rivers State not to transact with these unelected individuals, as they threaten the state’s fragile peace. This stern warning aims to prevent further exploitation and ensure that only legitimate authorities manage local government affairs.
Amaewhule’s stance is backed by Section 64(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018, which empowers the House to give directives on local government management. This move demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting democratic
governance. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for the state’s political landscape and governance. As the police and security agencies are urged to arrest these impostors, the people of Rivers State await the outcome with bated breath. Will this bold move by the House of Assembly bring an end to the CTC’s illegal activities and restore democratic order? Only time will tell.