Rivers ex-LG chairmen visit Fubara, declare solidarity with him

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, receives immediate past Local Government Chairmen in Port Harcourt on March 26, 2025.

The immediate past Local Government Chairmen of Rivers State have reaffirmed their unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara amid the ongoing political crisis that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

The 23 former chairmen, whose elections were recently invalidated by the Supreme Court, made this declaration during a solidarity visit to the suspended governor, according to a statement by Fubara’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi.

“The former chairmen were on a Solidarity Visit to show unwavering support and commitment to the course of the Rivers First mantra under the sterling leadership of Governor Fubara,” the statement read.

“They were led on the visit by the former chairman of Association of Local Government Chairmen in Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, and former Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, Hon Prince Ezebunwo Ichemati.

“The 23 chairmen, who were in high spirits, said they embarked on the visit to reassure the Governor of their unflinching loyalty and dedication to his mandate while urging Rivers people to continue to rally support for the Governor, despite the challenges.

“The chairmen also prayed to God to intercede and defend the Governor at this trying moment in the State’s political history, saying that this is the most crucial time for Rivers people to be more united and law-abiding in order not to give the enemies an opportunity to advance their evil agenda.”

Following the visit, the former chairmen held a press conference at a separate location in Port Harcourt, where they praised Fubara as a model of democracy in an increasingly challenging political climate.

Speaking on their behalf, Ezebunwo Ichemati, former chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, commended Fubara’s dedication to development, peace, and security.

He noted the numerous people-oriented projects executed under his administration, which he said have significantly contributed to the state’s stability and progress.

The former council leaders also lauded Fubara’s close relationship with security agencies, attributing it to the sustained peace and harmony in Rivers State.

They emphasized that they had dutifully complied with the directive of Fubara to hand over to the Heads of Local Government Administration.

They expressed disappointment over claims that Fubara had disregarded the court’s decision, insisting that such allegations were misleading.

They also condemned what they described as “ulterior motives” by political actors allegedly attempting to manipulate governance structures for personal and partisan interests.

They equally criticized the obstruction of Fubara’s 2025 budget presentation, noting that his resolve to govern with integrity remained unshaken despite political opposition.

Reaffirming their allegiance, the former chairmen pledged continued support for Fubara and called on Rivers residents, regardless of political affiliation, to unite behind his leadership for the state’s peace, progress, and stability.

“Nigerians and the world at large see you as a leader who stands firm for justice, development, and the security of Rivers State,” they declared.