Former Eleme Council Chairman, Philip Okparaji has criticized the move made by the Rivers State House of Assembly to review the state's local government laws.
In a bill, which has now passed first reading, the lawmakers sought to extend the tenure of the current council chairmen, which is set to expire in June 2024.
Mr. Okaparaji argued that the bill failed to undergo the necessary public hearing process before being passed for the first reading.
The former council chairman also noted that any amendment to the local government laws is invalid and can only take effect after the election of new council chairmen.
He advised members of the state assembly against pressuring the state governor to conduct elections, emphasising that conducting elections depends on the availability of funds.
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