Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has suspended the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Otonye Briggs. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
According to the statement, Briggs’ suspension takes effect immediately, although no specific reason for the decision was provided. In the interim, Governor Fubara has appointed Hon. Bitebobo Amiee as the new Caretaker Committee Chairperson for Akuku-Toru LGA.
“Mr. Briggs is hereby directed to hand over all council properties in his possession to the new Caretaker Committee Chairperson,” the statement read.
The suspension comes just three months after Governor Fubara inaugurated caretaker committee chairpersons for the 23 local government areas in Rivers State. The inauguration followed the expiration of the three-year tenure of the former elected council officials.
However, the transition has not been without controversy. The appointment of caretaker committee chairpersons triggered violent clashes between supporters of Governor Fubara and those of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The former local government chairpersons, who were backed by Wike, refused to vacate office despite their tenure ending, leading to tensions between rival supporters. The unrest escalated, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including a police officer.
In response to the violence, the Nigeria Police Force ordered its officers to take control of the 23 council secretariats in the state. Since then, Briggs had been unable to operate from his official office, as the Akuku-Toru council secretariat remained under police control throughout his three-month tenure.
The Governor’s office has not indicated if this issue is related to Briggs’ suspension, leaving the public to speculate on the reasons behind the sudden decision.
