Members of the factional Rivers State House of Assembly, numbering twenty-five led by Martin Amaewhule, have called for the arrest of the Caretaker Committee Chairmen (CTCs) overseeing the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
During their plenary session on Monday, these lawmakers also urged residents of Rivers State to refrain from engaging with the CTCs, alleging that they were illegitimate appointees. Their primary goal, they emphasized, was to uphold legality and ensure peace throughout the state.
The issue was raised by Major Jack, the representative of Akuku-Toru Constituency 1, who expressed concern over reports that CTC members were unlawfully imposing and collecting fees, levies, and rates from unsuspecting members of the public. Such actions, the lawmakers argued, directly contradicted a recent Supreme Court ruling and provisions outlined in the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law of 2023, which explicitly prohibits the existence of caretaker committees.
Echoing these sentiments, Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker of the House, accused the CTC chairmen of misappropriating funds designated for local government councils. He alleged that these individuals were withdrawing money from council accounts and misusing it under the guise of caretaker committees. Amaewhule urged law enforcement agencies, including the police, to swiftly arrest these individuals to prevent further breakdown of law and order in the state.
Highlighting the legal framework underpinning their stance, Amaewhule reiterated that only democratically elected officials have the constitutional mandate to manage local government councils. He cited Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 64(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 as legal foundations that prohibit the appointment of caretaker committees to run local governments.
Furthermore, the lawmakers stressed their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance with court judgments and state legislation. They emphasized that any disregard for these laws by the CTC chairmen would not be tolerated.
The call for action by the Rivers State House of Assembly members comes amid a backdrop of political tensions and legal disputes over local government administration in the state. The issue of caretaker committees has been a contentious one, with proponents arguing for their necessity in bridging administrative gaps, while critics point to their potential for abuse and illegitimacy.
In response to these developments, grassroots mobilization efforts within the state have intensified, with citizens expressing solidarity with the legislative action taken by the House of Assembly members. There is a growing consensus among residents that adherence to constitutional provisions and legal frameworks is paramount to ensuring transparent and accountable governance at the local level.
Looking ahead, the Rivers State House of Assembly members aligned with Chief Nyesom Wike’s faction have pledged to continue their advocacy for democratic principles and the empowerment of elected officials. They have vowed to remain vigilant in their oversight duties and to protect the interests of the electorate against any perceived attempts to undermine democratic processes.
As the state prepares for future elections and political transitions, the role of the legislature in safeguarding democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law remains pivotal. The ongoing debate over the legitimacy of caretaker committees underscores broader concerns about governance, accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights within Nigeria’s federal system.
The stance taken by the Rivers State House of Assembly members represents a significant step towards asserting legislative authority and ensuring adherence to constitutional principles. Their call for the arrest of caretaker committee chairmen reflects a commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the democratic rights of citizens in Rivers State.
