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Politics of Rivers State

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Politics of Rivers State
Constitution
Executive
Legislature
Judiciary
Elections
Divisions
Federal government

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 and he or she exercises them directly. 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.

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. He or she 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
Office Name Party Since
Governor Ezenwo N. Wike People's Democratic Party 29 May 2015
Deputy Governor Ipalibo Banigo People's Democratic Party 29 May 2015

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

Further information: Judiciary of Rivers State, High Court of Justice (Rivers State), and Customary Court of Appeal

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

For other political parties, see List of political parties in Rivers State. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in Rivers State.

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 name Area (km2) Census 2006
population 		Administrative seat Postal
Code 		Wards
Port Harcourt 109 541,115 Port Harcourt 500 20
Obio-Akpor 260 464,789 Rumuodumaya 500 17
Okrika 222 222,026 Okrika 500 12
Ogu–Bolo 89 74,683 Ogu 500 12
Eleme 138 190,884 Ogale 501 10
Tai 159 117,797 Sakpenwa 501 10
Gokana 126 228,828 Kpor 501 17
Khana 560 294,217 Bori 502 19
Oyigbo 248 122,687 Afam 502 10
Opobo–Nkoro 130 151,511 Opobo Town 503 11
Andoni 233 211,009 Ngo 503 11
Bonny 642 215,358 Bonny 503 12
Degema 1,011 249,773 Degema 504 17
Asari-Toru 113 220,100 Buguma 504 13
Akuku-Toru 1,443 156,006 Abonnema 504 17
Abua–Odual 704 282,988 Abua 510 13
Ahoada West 403 249,425 Akinima 510 12
Ahoada East 341 166,747 Ahoada 510 13
Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni 969 284,010 Omoku 510 17
Emohua 831 201,901 Emohua 511 14
Ikwerre 655 189,726 Isiokpo 511 13
Etche 805 249,454 Okehi 512 19
Omuma 170 100,366 Eberi 512 10

See also

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. Retrieved 28 August 2015.
  5. ^ "Rivers State Governorship On A Platter?". Nigerian Observer. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  6. ^ Victor Azubuike (21 April 2015). "Rivers state to hold Local Council election May 23". DailyPost. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
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