The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially issued certificates of return to the newly elected local government chairmen following an election held under heightened tensions on Saturday.
In a decisive outcome, the Action People’s Party (APP) emerged victorious, clinching 22 out of the 23 available chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance (AA) secured one seat.
The ceremony took place at the RSIEC headquarters in Port Harcourt, the state capital, where the Commission’s Chairman, Adolphus Enebeli, presided over the event. He congratulated the elected chairmen and emphasized the importance of their roles in local governance.
Below is the full list of the new chairmen:
1. Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu
2. Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu.
3 Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo.
4 Akuku-Toru – Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs
5 Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile.
6 Asari-Toru – Sule Amachree.
7 Bonny – Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox (re-elected)
8 Degema – Harry Agiriye
9 Eleme – Brain Gokpa (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
10 Emohua – David Omereji (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
11 Etche – Uzodinma Nwafor
12 Gokana – Monday Dumiye
13 Ikwerre – Isreal Abosi
14 Khana – Martins Nwigbo
15 Obio/Akpor – Chijioke Ihunwo (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
16 Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni –Prince Isaac Umejuru
17 Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika
18 Okrika – Igwe Achese
19 Omuma – Promise Reginald (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
20 Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam (Re-elected)
21 Oyigbo – Gift Okere
22 Port Harcourt – Ezebunwo Ichemati (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
23 Tai – Matthew Nenubari Dike (serving Caretaker Committee Chairman)
With the certificates now in their hands, the chairmen are set to be sworn in by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, marking the official start of their three-year tenure. This transition is anticipated to bring new leadership to the various local government areas in the state, focusing on community development and responsive governance.
The recent elections were characterized by a tense atmosphere, reflecting the competitive political landscape in Rivers State. However, the RSIEC maintained that the process was conducted fairly, and the results accurately reflect the will of the electorate.
