The ousted local government chairmen in Rivers State, under the auspices of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, on Friday, accused the state government of flagrantly disobeying orders and judgments of superior courts, including the Supreme Court.
The chairmen, who are contesting tenure elongation, claimed that the government has refused to dissolve local government caretaker committees despite recent Supreme Court judgments.
They urged President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, and security agencies to address the alleged abuse of power and contempt of court in Rivers State.
The chairmen cited specific judgments, including the Supreme Court’s decision on July 11, 2024, which legalized the autonomy of local government areas and abolished state governors’ powers to set up caretaker committees, according to TheNation.
They alleged that the Rivers State government has continued to promote illegal caretaker committees, leading to tension and threats to peace in the state.
The chairmen called on law enforcement agencies to enforce the Supreme Court’s judgment and bring defaulters to book to prevent self-help and chaotic retaliations.
He said: “We are taken aback and saddened by the blunt inclination and rebellious stance of the Governor of Rivers State against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the explicit judgement of the highest courts in Nigeria.
“We believe that it is a major paradox and an aberration for the governor to be the major lawbreaker of the laws of our land. The socio-economic and political consequences of such executive lawlessness are dangerous. We make these bold assertions without fear of contradiction and in the overriding long-run interest of peace in our dear state”.
