ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area in Rivers State, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, has declared that he will not vacate his office at the end of his tenure on June 16.
In a widely circulated video on Thursday, Nwanosike addressed the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, expressing his intention to remain in office beyond the official end date.
He cited an extension of tenure by state lawmakers led by Martin Amaghule, attributing this to the state government’s failure to conduct local government elections.
In the two-minute video, Nwanosike stated his commitment to continue in his role based on the lawmakers’ directive.
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He warned that the people of Ikwerre LG would resist any attempt to remove him from office.
“Let them come and try to remove me if they dare. The countdown begins—23 more days to go,” he declared.
Nwanosike also challenged those questioning Martin Amaewhule’s authority, saying, “Who are you to say Martin Amaewhule is not the Rivers House of Assembly Speaker?”
“If Amaewhule declares that the governor’s failure to conduct local government elections means I ! remain in office, then I will stay in office. This is the law in Rivers State,” he asserted.
He further warned potential challengers, “We don’t wear jeans in Ikwerre Local Government. We wear white, we tie wrappers, we wear Ogbakata. Come and disobey the law, we will wait for you. The law of Nigeria is the law passed by Martin Amaewhule. If you have the courage, show your face.”
The chairman’s statements have sparked widespread reactions as the situation unfolds.
Nwanosike reiterated, “Who are you to say Martins Amaewhule is not the Rivers House of Assembly Speaker? If Amaewhule says that because the governor of Rivers State failed in his duty to conduct local government elections, and that I, Dr. Nwanosike Samuel, whose tenure by the oath of office I took and the certificate of return I was issued when I contested my second tenure election should remain in office, so shall we remain in the office in Rivers State!”
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He concluded, “We are sending a message to those who are threatening them to wear their jeans—do like this, don’t do like that. We don’t wear jeans in Ikwerre Local Government.
“We wear white, we tie wrappers, we wear Ogbakata. Come and disobey the law, we will wait for you. The law of Nigeria is the law passed by Martin Amaewhule. If dem born you well, show your face. Thank you.”