Governor Fubara Orders Audit Of Local Government Accounts

As the political crisis in Rivers State is yt to resolve, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for the audit of local government accounts in the state.

He gave the order after he swore in new caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas of the state.

We had earlier reported that the swearing-in ceremony was currently ongoing at the Government House in Port Harcourt, amid tight security.

The swearing comes a day after the governor forwarded the list to the state House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Victor Jumbo.

Earlier, the Rivers Assembly passed the Local Government Amendment bill into law but Fubara failed to assent to the bill.

While the governor did not sign the bill, the lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule vetoed him.

The amended bill which the governor failed to assent, empowered the Rivers State Assembly to extend the tenure of council chairpersons, their vice, and councillors where it is deemed impossible to hold elections before the end of their three-year tenure.

However, the court nullified the amended law, prompting an appeal.

The appeal court is set to deliver a ruling on the matter on June 20, 2024.