Government of Rivers State

Last updated
Government of Rivers State
Government of Rivers State logo.png
Official logo
Formation1979(45 years ago) (1979)
Jurisdiction Rivers State
Website riversstate.gov.ng
Legislative branch
Legislature House of Assembly
Meeting place House of Assembly Complex
Executive branch
Leader Governor of Rivers State
AppointerDirect popular vote
Headquarters Government House
Main organ Executive Council
Departments 26
Judicial branch
Court High Court
Seat Port Harcourt

The Government of Rivers State consists of elected representatives and appointed officials responsible for the government of Rivers State, Nigeria. Rivers State has a population of about 5 million people, and is one of the 36 states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The state government is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, whose powers are vested by the Constitution in the House of Assembly, the Governor and the High Court. The judiciary operates independently of the executive and the legislature. At the local level, elected officials are in charge of local government areas.

Contents

Executive

The executive branch is headed by the Governor, assisted by the Deputy Governor, both elected. The governor appoints the heads of parastatals, state-owned bodies, judicial officers, permanent secretaries and members of the Executive Council with the exception of the deputy. The Civil Service is administered by the head of service, a career civil servant, with each ministry managed by a permanent secretary. The commissioner is responsible for policy, while the permanent secretary provides continuity and is responsible for operations.

Governor

As the highest ranking-official in the executive, the Governor of Rivers State wields significant influence in matters relating to the governance of the state. As in most presidential systems, the governor is both the head of government and head of state. The governor is empowered by the Constitution to preside over the Executive Council, as well as to appoint, dismiss or reappoint its members–excluding the deputy governor–at will. In addition the governor may sign legislation passed by the House into law or may veto it, however, the bill automatically becomes law after 30 days if the governor does not sign the legislation.

A vote by a two-thirds majority in the House can overrule the governor. The same vote is required to initiate an impeachment process of the governor or the deputy governor. When the chief executive is unable to discharge their duties, the deputy governor assumes the office of Acting Governor until the governor resumes duty, or until election of a new governor. [1]

Since achieving statehood, Rivers State has had a total of 6 governors. Four of the former governors are still alive while only one has died. The longest serving governor is Peter Odili, a physician by profession. He spent 2,923 days in office.

Deputy Governor

The position of Deputy Governor of Rivers State constitutes the vice-head of state and government, created when the federation returned to civilian authority under the Second Republic. Whoever holds the post is considered the second highest official in the executive branch. The deputy governor is also seen as the first official in line to succeed the Governor of Rivers State, should that office be vacated.

The deputy governor is elected concurrently on a ticket with the governor for a term of four years renewable once. The annual salary for the office as of 2009 is 2,112,215. [2] Physician Ipalibo Banigo is the first woman to hold the position since it was established. Banigo, formerly a civil servant in the Ministry of Health, was chosen by governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to be his running mate in the 2015 election. [3]

Executive council

The executive council is currently made up of: [4]

PositionIncumbent
Governor Siminalayi Fubara
Deputy Governor Ipalibo Banigo
Attorney General Prof. Zaccheus Adangor
Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo
Chief of Staff Chukwuemeka Woke
Head of Service Rufus Godwins
Director-General of the Bureau of Public ProcurementIgonibo E. Thompson
ICT Special Adviser
Administrator (GPHCDA)Desmond Akawor
Commissioner of Agriculture Dr Fred Kpakol
Commissioner of Budget and Economic PlanningCharles Gogo
Commissioner of Commerce and IndustryBright Jacob
Commissioner of Culture And Tourism Tonye Briggs-Oniyide
Commissioner of Education Kaniye Ebeku
Commissioner of Energy and Natural resourcesUchechukwu Nwafor
Commissioner of Environment Roseline Konya
Commissioner of Finance Fred Kpakol
Commissioner of HealthOdagme Theophilus
Commissioner of Housing Emmanuel Okah
Commissioner of Information and CommunicationsAustin Tam George
Commissioner of Justice Emmanuel C. Aguma
Commissioner of Chieftaincy and Community Affairs John Bazia
Commissioner of Land and Survey Hanny Woko
Commissioner of Local Government AffairsRodaford Long-John
Commissioner of PowerMike Anwuri
Commissioner of Social Welfare & RehabilitationHerbert D. Miller
Commissioner of Special DutiesMonday Onyezonwu
Commissioner of SportsBoma Iyaye
Commissioner of TransportAkie Dagogo Fubara
Commissioner of Urban Development Chinyere Igwe
Commissioner of Water Resources and Rural developmentWalter Ibibia
Commissioner of Women AffairsUkel Oyaghiri
Commissioner of Works Harrison B. Iheanyichukwu
Commissioner of Youth DevelopmentPrincewill Ogbobula

Ministries

MinistryNotesWebsite
Agriculture Regulates and formulates agricultural sector-related policies http://rsmoa.gov.ng Archived 2015-04-15 at the Wayback Machine
Budget and Economic Planning Concerned with economic priorities and programmes of the government
Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Handles chieftaincy and community-related affairs
Commerce and Industry Deals with commerce, industry and cooperative matters
Culture and Tourism Develops and implements policies on culture and tourism
Education Directs education in Rivers State http://ministryofeducationriversstate.com.ng Archived 2015-11-24 at the Wayback Machine
Employment Generation and Empowerment Employment provision and empowerment https://web.archive.org/web/20141218211651/http://riversjobs.gov.ng/
Energy and Natural Resources Monitors, controls and regulates energy and natural resources-related activities
Environment Oversees the environment in Rivers State
Finance Manages, controls and monitors state revenues and expenditures
Health Facilitates the provision of health services http://riversstatemoh.gov.ng
Housing
Information and Communications Regulates broadcasting and print media
Justice Administers justice. Headed by the Commissioner of Justice
Lands and Survey
Local Government Affairs Charged with local government and local administration
Power Charged with electrical energy and power
Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Implements programmes and provides social, rehabilitative services
Special Duties Manages disasters and emergencies
Sports
Transport Responsible for transport infrastructure
Urban Development Reviews and prepares physical development, urban renewal and transportation plans
Water Resources and Rural Development Reviews and prepares physical development, urban renewal and transportation plans https://web.archive.org/web/20150123112157/http://www.rvswaterministry.net/
Women Affairs Encourages the development of women
Works Responsible for socio-economic infrastructure
Youth Development Promotes youth empowerment and development

Agencies and Parastatals

Agencies and parastatals, typically reporting to a ministry, include: [5]

Legislature

The Rivers State House of Assembly is the unicameral legislative body of the state government. It was established in 1979 by part II, section 84 of the Constitution of Nigeria, which states "There shall be a House of Assembly for each of the States of the Federation". Led by a Speaker, the House of Assembly consists of 32 members, each elected to four-year terms in single-member constituencies by plurality. Its primary responsibility is to create laws for the peace, order and effective government of the state.

Powers

There are numerous powers the Constitution expressly and specifically granted to the House of Assembly as they are necessary for its relevance. These include the powers to approve budget estimates presented to it by the executive; to make laws establishing the chargeable rates and the procedure to be used in assessing and collecting the rates charged by each local government council; confirm gubernatorial appointments, oversee and monitor activities of government agencies, review policy implementation strategies of the executive, summon before it and question a commissioner about the conduct of his or her ministry especially when the affairs of that ministry are under consideration and to initiate impeachment proceeding in order to secure the removal of the governor or the deputy.

Current Representatives

The legislature consists of elected representatives from each constituency. As of June 12, 2015 they were: [6]

ConstituencyRepresentative
Abua–OdualMarshal Stanley-Uwom
Ahoada East I Martyns Mannah
Ahoada East IIEhie Edison
Ahoada WestOkpokiri Nwanaka
Akuku-Toru IMajor Jack
Akuku-Toru IITonye Alalibo
Andoni Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani
Asari-Toru IEnemi George
Asari-Toru IIGranville Wellington
BonnyAbinye Pepple
DegemaDagogo Farah
ElemeJosiah Olu
EmohuaOgeh Samuel
Etche IOpurum Nwuzoma
Etche IITony Ejiogu
GokanaIsrael Ngbuelo Lebura
IkwerreAzubuike Wanjoku
Khana IDeeyah Bariene
Khana IIDinebari Loolo
Obio-Akpor I Martins Amaewhule
Obio-Akpor II Michael Okechukwu Chinda
Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni IChristian Ahiakwo
Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni IIUwaji Nathaniel
Ogu–BoloEvans Bapakaye Bipi
Okrika Adams Dabotorudima
OmumaKelechi Godspower Nwogu
Opobo–NkoroDiri Kelly Adonye
OyigboChisom Promise Dike
Port Harcourt IOgbonda Jones Nwene
Port Harcourt IIAdoki Tonye Smart
Port Harcourt IIIVictor Ihunwo Nyeche
TaiNgbar Sylvester Amuele
Clerk of the HouseMr. Alex E. Nwala

Judiciary

The administration of justice in Rivers State is one of the fundamental duties of the judiciary of the state. This branch of government explains and applies the laws by hearing and eventually making decisions on various legal cases. It has a regulatory or supervisory body known as the Judicial Service Commission, which takes care of appointment, promotion and disciplinary issues of the judiciary.

The Chief Judge of Rivers State is the appointed head of the judicial branch. The chief judge is also the most senior judge and presiding member of the High Court of Justice. Among other responsibilities, the chief judge has the ceremonial duty of administering the oath of office of the Governor of Rivers State. In modern tradition, the chief judge retires voluntarily at sixty years of age, or statutorily at sixty five. [7]

Most appointments to the judiciary are made by the governor, but acting upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council. At present, there are about 10 judicial divisions within the High Court of Justice, and about 26 judges carrying out their professional work. [8]

Elections and voting

Local government

Local government areas handle local administration, under an elected chairman.

Rivers State is divided into twenty-three local government areas (LGAs):

LGA NameArea (km2)Census 2006
population
Administrative capitalPostal
Code
Port Harcourt 109541,115 Port Harcourt 500
Obio-Akpor 260464,789 Rumuodomanya 500
Okrika 222222,026 Okrika 500
Ogu–Bolo 8974,683Ogu500
Eleme 138190,884 Ogale, Nchia 501
Tai 159117,797 Sakpenwa 501
Gokana 126228,828 Kpor 501
Khana 560294,217 Bori 502
Oyigbo 248122,687 Afam 502
Opobo–Nkoro 130151,511 Opobo Town 503
Andoni 233211,009 Ngo 503
Bonny 642215,358 Bonny 503
Degema 1,011249,773 Degema 504
Asari-Toru 113220,100 Buguma 504
Akuku-Toru 1,443156,006 Abonnema 504
Abua–Odual 704282,988 Abua 510
Ahoada West 403249,425 Akinima 510
Ahoada East 341166,747 Ahoada 510
Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni 969284,010 Omoku 510
Emohua 831201,901 Emohua 511
Ikwerre 655189,726 Isiokpo 511
Etche 805249,454 Okehi 512
Omuma 170100,366 Eberi 512

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Politics of Cape Verde</span> Political system of Cape Verde

Politics of Cape Verde takes place in a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic, whereby the Prime Minister of Cape Verde is the head of government and the President of the Republic of Cape Verde is the head of state, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the president and the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The constitution, first approved in 1980 and substantially revised in 1992, forms the basis of government organization. It declares that the government is the "organ that defines, leads, and executes the general internal and external policy of the country" and is responsible to the National Assembly.

Separation of powers is the division of a state's government into branches, each with separate, independent powers and responsibilities, so that the powers of one branch are not in conflict with others. The typical division into three branches of government, sometimes called the trias politica model, includes a legislature, an executive, and a judiciary. It can be contrasted with the fusion of powers in monarchies, but also parliamentary and semi-presidential systems where there can be overlap in membership and functions between different branches, especially the executive and legislative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Oklahoma</span> Government of the U.S. state of Oklahoma

The government of the U.S. State of Oklahoma, established by the Oklahoma Constitution, is a republican democracy modeled after the federal government of the United States. The state government has three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial. Through a system of separation of powers or "checks and balances," each of these branches has some authority to act on its own, some authority to regulate the other two branches, and has some of its own authority, in turn, regulated by the other branches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Malaysia</span> Federal government of Malaysia

The Government of Malaysia, officially the Federal Government of Malaysia, is based in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, with the exception of the legislative branch, which is located in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is a federation comprising the 11 States of Malaya, the Borneo States of Sabah and Sarawak, and 3 Federal Territories operating within a constitutional monarchy under the Westminster system and is categorised as a representative democracy. The federal government of Malaysia adheres to and is created by the Federal Constitution of Malaysia, the supreme law of the land.

The government of Virginia combines the executive, legislative and judicial branches of authority in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The current governor of Virginia is Glenn Youngkin. The State Capitol building in Richmond was designed by Thomas Jefferson, and the cornerstone was laid by Governor Patrick Henry in 1785. Virginia currently functions under the 1971 Constitution of Virginia. It is Virginia's seventh constitution. Under the Constitution, the government is composed of three branches: the legislative, the executive and the judicial.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Kenya</span> National legislative, executive and judiciary powers of Kenya

The Government of the Republic of Kenya (GoK) is the national government of the Republic of Kenya, a federal republic located in East Africa, composed of 47 Counties, each county with its own semi-autonomous governments, including the national capital of Nairobi, where the national government is primarily based.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Federal government of Mexico</span> National Government of the United Mexican States

The Federal Government of Mexico is the national government of the United Mexican States, the central government established by its constitution to share sovereignty over the republic with the governments of the 31 individual Mexican states, and to represent such governments before international bodies such as the United Nations. The Mexican federal government has three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial and functions per the Constitution of the United Mexican States, as enacted in 1917, and as amended. The executive power is exercised by the executive branch, which is headed by the president and her Cabinet, which, together, are independent of the legislature. Legislative power is vested upon the Congress of the Union, a bicameral legislature comprising the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Judicial power is exercised by the judiciary, consisting of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, the Council of the Federal Judiciary, and the collegiate, unitary, and district courts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Japan</span> Constitutional monarchy which governs Japan

The Government of Japan consists of legislative, executive and judiciary branches and is based on popular sovereignty. The Government runs under the framework established by the Constitution of Japan, adopted in 1947. It is a unitary state, containing forty-seven administrative divisions, with the Emperor as its Head of State. His role is ceremonial and he has no powers related to the Government. Instead, it is the Cabinet, comprising the Ministers of State and the Prime Minister, that directs and controls the Government and the civil service. The Cabinet has the executive power and is formed by the Prime Minister, who is the Head of Government. The Prime Minister is nominated by the National Diet and appointed to office by the Emperor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Governor of Lagos State</span> Head of government of Lagos State in Nigeria

The governor of Lagos State is the head of government of Lagos State in Nigeria. The governor leads the executive branch of the Lagos State Government. This position places its holder in leadership of the state with command authority over the state affairs. The Governor is frequently described to be the number one citizen of the state. Article II of the Constitution of Nigeria vests the executive power of the state in the governor and charges him with the execution of state law, alongside the responsibility of appointing state executive, diplomatic, regulatory, and judicial officers subject to the approval of the Assembly members.

The Governor of Rivers State is the Chief executive of the Rivers State government and is one of the governors of the thirty-six states of Nigeria. The Governor is supported by the Deputy Governor, both popularly elected for a term of four years. The Governor, as head of the executive branch, has the power to appoint commissioners responsible for each of the state's ministries, the heads of parastatals, judicial officers and the state-owned bodies with specific regulatory or administrative duties. They cannot be a member of the state House of Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of North Carolina</span> Government of the U.S. state of North Carolina

The government of North Carolina is divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. These consist of the Council of State, the bicameral legislature, and the state court system. The Constitution of North Carolina delineates the structure and function of the state government.

Ipalibo Gogo Banigo is a Nigerian medical doctor and politician who is the current senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District since 2023. She served as the first female deputy governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023.

The Politics of Rivers State function within the framework of a presidential republic, with the Governor of Rivers State as both head of state and head of government. Rivers State is known for a politically engaged citizenry. The official seat of government is in Port Harcourt. Under the Constitution, Executive power is vested in the Governor. This does not change the fact that such authority may also be exercised through the Deputy Governor or Commissioners. Legislative power is vested in a 32-member unicameral House of Assembly. Judicial power is exercised solely by the judiciary of Rivers State.

The government of Abia State is the supreme governing authority of Abia State and its local governments. It consists of the executive headed by the governor, the legislative and the judiciary.

The politics of Ogun State function within the framework of a presidential republic, with the Governor of Ogun State as both head of state and head of government. Ogun State is known for a politically engaged citizenry. The official seat of government is in Abeokuta. Under the Constitution, the executive power is vested in the Governor. Such authority may also be exercised through the Deputy Governor or Commissioners. Legislative power is vested in a 26-member unicameral House of Assembly. Judicial power is exercised solely by the judiciary of Ogun State.

The Government of Ogun State consists of elected representatives and appointed officials responsible for the government of Ogun State, Nigeria. Ogun State has a population of about 2 million people, and is one of the 36 states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The state government is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, whose powers are vested by the Constitution in the Governor, the House of Assembly, and the High Court. The judiciary operates independently of the executive and the legislature. At the local level, elected officials are in charge of local government areas.

The governor of Imo State is an elective political position, one of the governors of the thirty-six states of Nigeria. The governor of Imo State is the chief executive officer of Imo state and its executive branch with the assistance of the deputy governor. Fourteen people have served as governor since Imo State was created in 1976: eight military governors, two military administrators and seven democratic governors. The current governor is Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, in office since 15 January 2020.

The Government of Imo State also called The Imo State Government consists of elected representatives and appointed officials responsible for the government of Imo State, Nigeria. Imo State has a population of over 4 to 5 million people, and is one of the 36 states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The state government is composed of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, whose powers are vested by the Constitution in the House of Assembly, the Governor and the High Court. The judiciary operates independently of the executive and the legislature. At the local level, elected officials are in charge of local government areas.

Kano State Government is the government of Kano State, concerned with the administration of the state ministries. The government consists of the executive, legislative and Judiciary. The government is headed by the Governor who is the policy-maker and often assisted by the Commissioners and other civil servants of the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Edo State</span> Executive, legislative and judicial branches of Edo State, Nigeria

The government of Edo State serves as the governing authority for Edo State, one of the 36 states within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It comprises three branches of government: the executive branch led by the Governor of Edo State, the legislative branch represented by the Edo State House of Assembly, and the judicial branch, including the Judiciary of Edo State and the Courts of Edo State. The state government operates under the frameworks of the Constitution of Nigeria and the Constitution of Edo State, delineating the powers, duties, and functions of state organs and institutions. It also encourages direct participation from the electorate through mechanisms such as initiative, referendum, and ratification.

References

  1. "State Executive". nigeria-law.org. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  2. "The names, salaries, titles and dates of employment Pay and Allowances of Political Office Holders". Bpsr.gov.ng. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  3. "What Ipalibo Banigo Should Do". The Tide . 29 May 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  4. "Executive Council". Rivers State Government. Archived from the original on 2015-04-26. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  5. "Parastatals". Government of Rivers State. Archived from the original on 2010-09-14. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  6. "Constituencies". Rovers State House of Assembly. Retrieved 2010-09-20.
  7. "Periscoping 2013 Legal Year". The Tide . 8 January 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  8. "Judiciary History". Rivers State Judiciary. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.