July 22, (THEWILL) – A faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has warned banks, other business operators, as well as traditional rulers in the state against engaging in any dealings with members of caretaker committees for local government councils, describing them as impostors.
This follows a motion moved at plenary on Monday, by House Leader, Major Jack after the lawmakers reviewed the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the recent Supreme Court judgement, which granted autonomy to the local government councils.
Jack claimed the actions of the caretaker chairmen are in contravention of the recent Supreme Court judgement and the provisions of the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2023, which prohibit caretaker committees in any form.
Amaewhule alleged that the committee chairmen are withdrawing monies meant for local government councils from banks. He urged the police and other security agencies to take action and arrest “these impostors” to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Describing the caretaker committee chairmen and threats to the fragile peace in the state, Amaewhule reiterated that only democratically elected officials are authorised to manage local government councils, as stated in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 64(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.
The lawmakers warned banks, traditional rulers, government agencies, non-governmental organisations and business operators in the state not to transact any business with them.
“They are by this notice further informed not to deal or transact business with these unelected individuals, who want to truncate our hard-earned democracy and are currently in contempt of injunctive orders of the Supreme Court.
“The police and other law-enforcement agencies have also been informed to commence the arrest of these impostors”, the House said.
