RSG Dissolves Obio/Akpor Council

The Rivers State Government has dissolved Obio/Akpor Local Government Council with effect from yesterday, November 28, 2013.
According to a government statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii, the governor took the action in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the provision of Rivers State Local Government Law 2012.
“Consequently, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Hon. Timothy Nsirim is directed to hand over to the Head of Personal Management in the council immediately,” the statement added.
It would be recalled that  Rivers State High Court presided over by Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra last Monday ordered the reinstatement of the suspended Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, Prince Timothy Nsirim, his deputy, Hon Solomon Eke and 17 councillors of the council.
Iyayi-Lamikanra, who gave the order while delivering judgement in a suit filed by Nsirim, challenging his suspension by the Rivers State House of Assembly, as well as the constitution of a caretaker committee for the administration of the local government council, also ordered that the sum of N50,000 be paid to each of the claimants for inconveniences.
She stated that the suspension of Nsirim was illegal, unconstitutional, and uncalled for, adding that Gov Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi lacked the right to appoint a caretaker committee when the Chairman of a council is unlawfully suspended, in line with section 7 sub (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended and section 64 of the Rivers State Local Government Law.
Reacting to the judgement, the Rivers State government said Iyayi-Lamikanra delivered the judgement in total disregard for the Court of Appeal, which had reserved ruling on an appeal filed by Amaechi on the matter for Thursday, November 28, 2013.
The state government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Seminatari, appealed to the people of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to remain calm and law abiding, vowing to pursue the matter through all constitutional and judicial means until justice was achieved.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), exchanging a signed Bilateral Agreement with the Brazilian Vice President, Mr Michel Temer, at the Itamaraty Palace in Brazil last Tuesday.