Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday, swore in the newly elected chairmen of the state’s 23 local governments, marking what he called the beginning of a “new Rivers State.” Fubara emphasized that the state’s local governments were in a “desperate situation” that required immediate, decisive measures to salvage them.

The governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting the state’s local government elections and warned the new chairmen against abusing their power. Fubara also reaffirmed his commitment to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and highlighted his administration’s mission to build a peaceful and thriving Rivers State.

Tensions surrounding the election were fueled by accusations from Evans Bipi, former chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, who claimed that Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike was usurping presidential powers. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also raised concerns about the rising issuance of court orders in politically sensitive cases.

Despite challenges, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) declared the election peaceful, with candidates of the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning 22 out of 23 local governments, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured victory in Etche Local Government Area.