The 11 suspended local government chairmen in Rivers State are now heaving a sigh of relief  following their recall earlier in the week after a two week surpension.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari had last Sunday announced the recall of the suspended chairmen who two weeks ago drew the ire of the Governor by not attending a special meeting summoned by the State Government on January 9.

Governor Amaechi, according to reliable sources,  used the action to send a strong warning to the chairmen that his administration would not condone laxity and show of pride by the grassroots government heads.

Moreso, it was learnt that Rt. Hon. Amaechi had on several occasions warned the chairmen of wielding the big stick someday over their poor attendance to government meetings and fora.

The Tide gathered that His Exellency had accordingly waited for the opportunity to come. Hence, their absence at the all-important meeting called to evolve measures to cushion the heat of the fuel subsidy removal crisis, became a fodder.

Surprised by the Governor’s action, the affected chairmen sought assistance from all known associates, friends and family members of the Governor to prevail on him to reverse the decision.

The Tide learnt from inside sources that the Governor remained adamant and wanted the suspension to extend until he began receiving intense pleas from senior party officials, traditional rulers, clergmen and prominent citizens from the state. The source added,” it was when some members of his family were brought into the picture that the Governor began to cave-in”.

Unfortunately, some of the local government chairmen were said to be the Governor’s close friends and loyalists, hence, when the plea became “unbearable,” he had to oblige them, the source told The Tide, adding, he also wanted peace in the local areas considering the fact that some acting chairmen had started making drastic changes that were not security-friendly in their areas.”

Indeed, the lifting of the suspension last Sunday had been hailed by many party faithfuls, especially those affected by the development because some of the acting chairmen had already appointed new aides, a move which caused some disaffection in their domains.

Meanwhile, some of the excited chairmen who spoke to The Tide lauded the Governor for lifting the suspension and finding them worthy again.

Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Hon. Maclean Uranta said,” I thank him for his magnanimity to have recalled us back in a short time”.

Hon. Uranta believed the Governor’s gesture underscored his sterling leadership quality and firmness.

Also Mayor of Port Harcourt, Chimbiko Akarolo in a telephone chat remarked, “if I was given a query would I have celebrated or jubilated? There is nothing to celebrate rather than to key into the State Government policies.”