By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Crisis erupts as youths dislodge Pro-Wike chairmen
The crisis in Rivers State escalated on Tuesday as youths loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara ousted three local government chairmen who refused to leave office after their tenure expired.
A policeman was killed during a clash at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat between supporters of Fubara and those of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. To prevent further chaos, the police announced the takeover of all 23 council secretariats.
The three-year terms of the chairmen expired on Monday, but they cited a Local Government Amendment Law 2024, passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, as their reason for staying. This law, backed by 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, extended their terms by six months due to the failure of Fubara to conduct local elections.
Obarimate Ollor, Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter, had previously warned of plans to invade the councils. On Monday, youths occupied secretariats in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, and Degema, barring the chairmen from entering.
In a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, Fubara directed local government heads to assume control of council affairs starting Wednesday.
The crisis intensified at the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area Council when Allwell Ihunda, the outgoing chairman, was chased by Ijaw youths. Ihunda narrowly escaped as his security detail fired into the air to disperse the protesters.
Protesters accused Ihunda of refusing to vacate office despite his tenure ending. One protester alleged that police shot live bullets and teargas at them, despite their peaceful intentions. Another claimed a protester was shot by police.
After tensions eased, protesters set up canopies and continued their demonstration in front of the council, showing support for Fubara.
In the Eleme LGA, outgoing chairman and ALGON secretary Obarimate Ollor was chased out by pro-Fubara supporters after a heated argument. In Obio/Akpor, the secretariat was occupied by youths, though council chairman George Ariolu was absent. Protesters also vandalized property, including a billboard of the FCT Minister.
In Emuoha LGA, a planned distribution of farm implements by outgoing Chairman Dr. Chidi Lloyd was disrupted by occupying youths. Lloyd criticized Fubara’s directive, calling it ill-advised and noting that the state Assembly had outlawed the use of caretakers as local government heads.
At Eberi-Omuma, a policeman and a local vigilante member were killed during a scuffle. The police said they were there to prevent further violence. According to reports, a politician’s police escort shot the vigilante member, leading to a retaliatory attack on the policeman.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the deaths and ongoing investigations.
In other LGAs, including Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana, there were reports of shootings. In Ikwerre LGA, outgoing Chairman Dr. Samuel Nwanosike remained in the council until he left amidst gunfire reports. Nwanosike accused the governor of hiring cultists to cause mayhem.
State Commissioner for Information and Communications Joseph Johnson denied these allegations, asserting the state was peaceful.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara convened a security council meeting, vowing to protect his supporters and maintain peace. He reiterated that there was no extension of local government chairmen’s tenures, as affirmed by the court.
In response to the unrest, the state police command took control of all 23 local government councils and critical infrastructure. Police assured residents of their safety and urged law-abiding behavior.
This crisis follows a series of conflicts between Fubara and pro-Wike lawmakers, including an attempted impeachment of the governor and the bombing of the state House of Assembly last year. Despite a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu, tensions have remained high.
In Abuja, the G-60 group of House Representatives lawmakers called for treason charges against the 23 former chairmen loyal to Wike. They demanded that the Rivers State government prosecute the chairmen for attempting to unlawfully retain power.
crisis, protesters
Crisis erupts as youths dislodge Pro-Wike chairmen