Politics of Rivers State

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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.

Contents

Political institutions

As with the federal government of Nigeria, power in Rivers State is divided into three main branches: executive, legislative, and judicial.

Executive

The Executive branch of government in Rivers State is part of the government that is responsible for the daily administration of the state. The Executive branch consists mainly of executive council, ministries and various parastatals. It is headed by the Governor, who is both the chief of state and head of government. The governor is elected in the same manner as the President to no more than two consecutive four-year terms.

Each of the ministries is led by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor. Rivers State House of Assembly has the duty to confirm the Governor's appointments. [1] Though parastatals have heads also appointed by the Governor, they are overseen by ministries run by Perm Secs who report to Commissioners.

Main office-holders
OfficeStatusNamePartySinceTill
Governor Former Ezenwo N. Wike People's Democratic Party 29 May 2015 1 June 2023
Deputy Governor Former Ipalibo Banigo People's Democratic Party 29 May 2015 1 June 2023}

Legislative

The legislative powers in the state lie with the Rivers State House of Assembly. A unicameral body of 32 members elected every four years. The Assembly is presided over by a Speaker, assisted by other Principal Officers. All of whom are elected from among the House membership by the legislators.

Following general elections in April 2015, the current House of Assembly was formed. People's Democratic Party (PDP) emerged as the largest party with 31 seats. [2] Members of the House of the Assembly are elected from single-member constituencies. The 8th House of Assembly was inaugurated on 1 June 2015. [3]

Judicial

Rivers State has an independent judiciary, which interprets and applies the law in the state. It is composed of a number of courts, each specialized for a different task. Most judicial appointments including that of Chief Judge are made by the Governor, but acting upon the recommendation of the National Judicial Council. As the third arm, the judiciary plays a stabilizing role in the affairs of polity. It is equipped to adjudicate disputes between people or the government at various levels. Presently, there are 10 judicial divisions within the High Court of Justice, and about 26 judges carrying out their professional work. [4]

Political parties and elections

The main political players are the People's Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress. These parties along with several minor ones put forward candidates for elections to the executive, legislative and local government councils. People's Democratic Party has been the most influential political party since 1999. It continues to maintain control of top statewide offices, including the governorship. [5]

Local government

At local level, the state is divided into local government areas. There are 23 LGAs that handle local administration under an elected Chairman or Mayor. Each of the local government areas has its own administrative seat and is further split into wards. Council elections are organized through the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. [6]

LGA nameArea (km2)Census 2006
population
Administrative seatPostal
Code
Wards
Port Harcourt 109541,115 Port Harcourt 50020
Obio-Akpor 260464,789 Rumuodumaya 50017
Okrika 222222,026 Okrika 50012
Ogu–Bolo 8974,683Ogu50012
Eleme 138190,884 Ogale 50110
Tai 159117,797 Sakpenwa 50110
Gokana 126228,828 Kpor 50117
Khana 560294,217 Bori 50219
Oyigbo 248122,687 Afam 50210
Opobo–Nkoro 130151,511 Opobo Town 50311
Andoni 233211,009 Ngo 50311
Bonny 642215,358 Bonny 50312
Degema 1,011249,773 Degema 50417
Asari-Toru 113220,100 Buguma 50413
Akuku-Toru 1,443156,006 Abonnema 50417
Abua–Odual 704282,988 Abua 51013
Ahoada West 403249,425 Akinima 51012
Ahoada East 341166,747 Ahoada 51013
Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni 969284,010 Omoku 51017
Emohua 831201,901 Emohua 51114
Ikwerre 655189,726 Isiokpo 51113
Etche 805249,454 Okehi 51219
Omuma 170100,366 Eberi 51210

See also

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References

  1. "Rivers State House confirms four commissioners, others". The Guardian. 5 June 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  2. Chris Konkwo (23 June 2015). "Why Buhari, APC Shun Amaechi – Gov. Wike". National Network . Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  3. "Wike Inaugurates New Rivers State House Of Assembly". The Will. 1 June 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  4. "Judiciary History". Rivers State Judiciary. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  5. "Rivers State Governorship On A Platter?". Nigerian Observer. 7 December 2014. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  6. Victor Azubuike (21 April 2015). "Rivers state to hold Local Council election May 23". DailyPost. Retrieved 27 August 2015.