Fresh Crisis As Sacked 2015 LG Chairmen In Rivers Insist On Reclaiming Offices

A new crisis is unfolding in Rivers State as former Local Government Chairmen, elected in 2015 but removed by ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, have declared their intention to reclaim their positions following a recent Appeal Court verdict.

Speaking on behalf of the 23 affected Chairmen, Benson Imie, former Chairman of Andoni LGA, addressed journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, insisting they were still the legitimate officeholders.

He recalled that their election took place on May 23, 2015, under the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) during the final days of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration.

However, Wike dismissed them upon assuming office, and a Federal High Court ruling on July 9, 2015, nullified the election.

Imie stated that the Appeal Court in Port Harcourt overturned this ruling on February 28, 2025, affirming the legitimacy of the 2015 elections.

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“The Appeal Court ruled that our election was without legal encumbrances,” he said.

He referenced case CA/PH/172/2024 (Hon. Augustine P. Ngo & 22 Ors v. Peoples Democratic Party & Ors), explaining that the Federal High Court’s judgment was set aside due to a violation of the appellants’ right to a fair hearing.

Further justifying their claim, he argued that last Friday’s Supreme Court judgment, which removed the LG Chairmen elected in the disputed October 5, 2024, elections, reinforced their rightful mandate.

Reginald Ukwuoma, former Chairman of Etche LGA, maintained that they do not require a fresh swearing-in ceremony, as they had already taken their oaths in 2015.

“We will wait to receive the Certified True Copies of the Appeal Court and Supreme Court judgments, then decide when to resume office,” Ukwuoma added.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.

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