October 23, 2026
In a prominent political and administrative development that brought the file of the vacant position of Governor of Nabatieh back to the forefront, Dr. Mohamed Hazma officially announced his reluctance to accept the decision of the Council of Ministers to appoint him as Governor of Nabatieh, against the backdrop of the legal problem raised regarding the age requirement, refusing to begin his official duties amid any confusion that affects the integrity of assuming responsibility.
In a lengthy statement he issued on this occasion, Hazma extended his thanks and gratitude to the people of the South, the Bekaa, and all Lebanese regions, especially the people of his hometown of Nabi Sheet, in addition to the official Arab, Islamic, and international figures who contacted him with congratulations. He specifically thanked Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam for their trust, support and guidance. He also thanked the Imam of the city of Nabatieh, Sheikh Abdel Hussein Sadiq, the spiritual authorities, and everyone who expressed confidence in his ability to bear responsibility.
Hazma explained that he underwent all the approved stages and procedures, up to the official interviews, based on his qualifications, experience, and work program, stressing that he did not communicate with any of those concerned with selecting or appointing the governor with the aim of influencing the results. He pointed out that the problem related to the age requirement was never raised before him during the nomination and interview stages, and he was not informed of any legal impediment, especially since the law containing this requirement was issued after the deadline for submitting applications had expired.
He pointed out that, as soon as the Cabinet decision was issued and he received invitations from officials to prepare to assume his duties, he took the initiative to resign from all his other jobs and responsibilities to devote himself fully to the new mission, and took serious professional and personal steps resulting from the official decision. However, out of respect for laws and institutions and out of concern for preserving assets, he announced his reluctance to accept the appointment as he was not satisfied with his responsibility starting amid a legal problem.
Hazma called for reopening nominations for the position of Nabatieh Governor according to clear conditions and criteria announced to public opinion – including age requirements – and verifying that they are met in advance to ensure equal opportunities and choose the most qualified, away from favoritism and political considerations.
He stressed that Nabatieh Governorate, which suffered from the repercussions of war, attacks and deprivation, deserves a full-time administration to serve its people, reactivate its institutions, keep pace with the path of recovery and reconstruction, and facilitate citizens’ transactions. He stressed that his primary goal in nomination was to put his experiences and relationships at the service of the governorate and cooperate with its people to overcome partisan and sectarian divisions towards building a successful administrative and development model.
At the conclusion of his statement, Hazma renewed his thanks to all supporters, declaring that he retained all his legal rights, and stressing that “serving people is a goal, responsibility is a trust, and respect for the law is a foundation from which I will not deviate, regardless of my position.” With this position, the file of Nabatieh Governorate returns to present itself on the government table, amid expectations that the nomination period will be reopened to deal with the legal repercussions of the decision.
