Rita Odafe
Leaders of the southern states have thrown their support behind Gov Siminalayi Fubara’s stand on the duration of service of local government chairmen in Rivers State.
Regarding the political unrest in Rivers State over the tenure of local government chairmen, Dapo Abiodun, the chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and governor of Ogun State, highlighted that prolonging the tenure of constitutionally elected officials is against the law.
He emphasized that the law is explicit on the time frame for elected officials, and any attempts to extend their tenure beyond what is allowed are unconstitutional.
Referencing the situation in Rivers State where the House of Assembly sought to prolong the local government chairmen’s tenure, a move opposed by Governor Fubara who appointed caretaker chairmen instead, Abiodun stated during a television interview that extending a chairman’s tenure sets a risky precedent.
Representing the stance of fellow governors in the region, Abiodun cautioned that permitting tenure extensions could endanger democratic principles in Nigeria.
He remarked: “When your tenure concludes, it is logical that it has ended.
“The collective view of the governors is that extending the tenure of elected local government chairmen is perilous and undermines democratic values.”
“Our democratic system has progressed and we must refrain from actions that might disrupt the process.”
Abiodun disclosed that the forum also reached a consensus on a regional transport master plan to improve infrastructure in the area, expressing satisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the coastal road project.
“We discussed infrastructure. To enhance regional integration, infrastructural development is imperative for encouraging investments and facilitating the movement of goods and services.
“We unanimously applauded President Tinubu for the commencement of the coastal road construction.
“This road links numerous southern states and is a crucial driver of economic growth, leading to job creation.”
“We also emphasized the importance of the Federal Government transferring certain Trunk A roads to states willing to manage them.
“A modal transport master plan encompassing rail, water, and road connectivity was also proposed as a means to promote investment, facilitate commerce, and enhance the public’s welfare.”
