Rivers State caretaker chairpersons appoint 500+ aides

Three caretaker chairpersons appointed by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara have collectively appointed over 500 aides within a month, sparking controversy and backlash from the public.

Chijioke Ihunwo, the caretaker chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, announced on Wednesday the appointment of 100 special assistants, listing their names on his X page without specifying their roles. This move was immediately criticized as wasteful and unnecessary.

Following Ihunwo’s announcement, Evans Bipi, the caretaker chairman of Ogu/Bolu Local Government Area, appointed 119 new aides, including special assistants, media aides, and special advisers. The swearing-in ceremony for these appointees took place at the Ogu Magistrate Court on Friday.

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Previously, Premium Times reported that Darlington Orji, the caretaker chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, appointed approximately 300 special assistants, senior special assistants, and executive assistants in June.

The Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission states that a special adviser to a local government chairperson earns about N2.9 million annually.

Adding to the complexity, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in favor of local government autonomy in Nigeria, potentially rendering the positions of caretaker chairpersons unconstitutional. It remains uncertain how many other caretaker chairpersons in the state have made similar appointments.