Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has suspended Otonye Briggs, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee for Akuku-Toru Local Government Area. This was announced in a statement on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
Although no specific reason was provided for the suspension, the governor’s directive is effective immediately. Hon. Bitebobo Amiee has been appointed to take over as chairperson of the Caretaker Committee. Briggs has been instructed to hand over all council property in his possession to his successor.
The suspension comes just three months after Governor Fubara inaugurated the chairpersons of caretaker committees for the 23 local government areas in the state, following the expiration of the three-year tenure of the former elected council officials.
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This move has stirred tensions in the state, particularly between supporters of Governor Fubara and those of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the FCT Minister. Violence erupted as former LG chairmen, backed by Wike, refused to leave office, leading to a clash with Fubara’s supporters. The conflict resulted in the deaths of two individuals, including a police officer.
Following the unrest, police operatives took control of the 23 council secretariats, preventing Briggs from operating from his official office during his time in office.
