Political tensions in Rivers State have deepened as 22 local government chairmen elected during the tenure of former Governor Chibuike Amaechi declared themselves the rightful leaders of their respective councils.
The group, elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, made the announcement during a press briefing in Port Harcourt following a Court of Appeal ruling that reinstated them.
The chairmen were initially removed from office in 2015 after a Federal High Court nullified their election. However, in a ruling delivered on February 28, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt overturned that decision, stating that the election was conducted lawfully.
Speaking on behalf of the group, former Andoni Local Government chairman, Benson Imie, noted that the Court of Appeal criticized the Federal High Court for denying them a fair hearing.
The court ruled that their removal was unconstitutional and restored them to office.
The chairmen also referenced a Supreme Court judgment from the same day, which voided the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State for violating electoral laws.
They argued that this decision created vacancies in the local councils, which they are entitled to fill.
According to former Etche LGA chairman, Reginald Ukwoma, the reinstated officials do not require a fresh swearing-in, as they had already taken their oaths before their removal in 2015.
He added that they were awaiting the Certified True Copies of the court rulings before resuming office.
The chairmen expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for upholding judicial independence and ensuring justice was served.
Meanwhile, in Osun State, the APC criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s visit to former Governor Bisi Akande, accusing him of seeking a “soft landing” over the ongoing local government crisis.
In a statement, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi alleged that Adeleke’s visit was an attempt to bypass legal channels following the Court of Appeal’s verdict on February 10, 2025, which ruled in favor of the reinstated council officials.
The party challenged Adeleke to seek redress at the Supreme Court instead of political maneuvering.
“The governor’s visit is a desperate attempt to sidestep the legal process,” the statement read. “If he truly believes he has a case, why not approach the Supreme Court?”
Adeleke, however, defended his visit, stating that it was part of a broader consultation process to resolve the leadership dispute in Osun’s local councils.
He emphasized his commitment to the rule of law and peaceful governance.
During a closed-door meeting with Akande in Ibadan, Adeleke reaffirmed his respect for the former governor and pledged to engage other stakeholders, including the Osun Council of Traditional Rulers, to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
In response, Akande commended Adeleke’s initiative but urged all political actors to prioritize peace and legality in addressing disputes.
Amid these developments, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Bode George, issued a strong warning to President Tinubu, urging him to prevent a slide into political chaos.
In an open letter titled “From Osun to Lagos and Rivers: Darkness Looms,” George condemned recent political crises in multiple states, describing them as threats to democracy.
He cited the lingering LG dispute in Osun, the leadership turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Rivers State governance deadlock as signs of worsening instability.
George criticized the reinstatement of Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, calling it an embarrassment and questioning how he returned to power after being impeached by 36 out of 40 lawmakers in January.
“The Lagos Assembly has been turned into a battlefield of political interests. Why should this disgraceful situation persist?” he asked.
On Rivers State, George lamented the economic hardship caused by the legal battles over local government leadership, warning that the continued withholding of federal allocations could lead to chaos.
He called on Tinubu to prioritize national stability and democratic governance, urging him to intervene before the situation deteriorates further.
