PORT HARCOURT (Sundiata Post) – Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has dissolved all the 23 Local Government Caretaker Committees with immediate effect.
A statement issued by Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, directed the caretaker committee chairmen to hand over to their respective heads of personnel management (HPMs).
The governor also directed the HPMs to immediately compile list of staff being owed salaries. He directed that the list, including the number of months owed to the workers by the respective councils be submitted to his office with immediate effect.
In another development, Governor Wike has called on magistrates across the country to be fearless and firm in their dispensation of justice.
Speaking at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday when he granted audience to the members of the National Executive Committee of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, the governor said that the functions of magistrates remained vital to the dispensation of justice in the country.
He urged them to stop the practice of returning case files on the basis that they are afraid of the antics of certain interests and those who would malign them after delivering judgment.
He said: “Judicial officers should not abdicate their responsibilities because they are afraid of petitions. If everyone throws in the towel, who will dispense justice ?”
While noting that every profession has its inherent risks, Governor Wike advised the magistrates to always remain focused as they deliver judgements within the ambit of the law.
He approved the request of the association that the biennial delegates conference be hosted in Port Harcourt.
Earlier, the President of Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Mrs Victoria Isiguzo, commended the governor for granting financial autonomy to the state Judiciary and approving the procurement of official vehicles for magistrates.
