By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Following the directives by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara that Heads of Local Government Administration, should take over the 23 local government areas in the state, reports from various councils indicated varying levels of tension, with some areas experiencing sporadic shooting while others remain peaceful.
In Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, videos circulating on social media show security operatives attached to the former council chairman, Allwell Ihunda, firing sporadically after being chased by angry youths who claimed they were shot at directly by the police.
Similarly, at the Obio-Akpor Council Secretariat, an official vehicle belonging to the council chairman, George Ariorlu, was vandalized and posters torn by individuals chanting both war and victory songs.
It was gathered that the two local government council chairmen were still within the council premises when the governor concluded his statewide broadcast.
This led to angry youths invading the areas to chase them away.
In Emohua Local Government Council, youths from various communities were seen chanting victory songs and jubilating over the chairman’s departure from office.
Youths have also taken over Eleme, Omuma, Ahoada East, Degema, Asari/Toru, Akuku/Toru, Onelga, Okrika, and Ogu/Bolo LGAs.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rowland Sekibo, has urged pro-Wike groups in the three Kalabari-speaking LGAs to shun violence and maintain peace despite provocations from opposing factions.
Sekibo issued this appeal in Buguma, speaking on behalf of the three council chairmen in Kalabari Kingdom at the Asari-Toru Council Secretariat.
He emphasized the importance of patience, noting that the matter is still in court, and urged the groups to remain peaceful while awaiting the court’s judgment.
Governor Fubara ordered HLGAs to take charge of councils on Tuesday, 18 June 18, 2024.
Fubara’s directive follows the expiration of the tenure of the 23 Local Government Areas, LGA, Chairmen on Monday,17 June, 2024.
In a broadcast on the morning of Tuesday,18 June, 2024, Governor Fubara instructed the HLGAs to “immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.”
He commended the outgoing LGA Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councilors for their dedicated service to their respective communities.
The Governor also congratulated them on the successful completion of their tenures and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Source : Daily Post.
