Tensions boiled over in Rivers State yesterday as youths stormed the headquarters of numerous local government areas following the expiration of tenure for the chairmen of the state’s 23 LGAs, resulting in the reported deaths of two individuals.
Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara expressed gratitude to the former chairmen for their service and instructed the Heads of Local Government Administration in all 23 LGAs to assume administrative responsibilities.
Addressing the state amidst the escalating crisis, Governor Fubara pledged unwavering leadership to maintain peace and safeguard all citizens who uphold truth.
In reaction to the unfolding crisis, elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark denounced former Governor Nyesom Wike for the precarious situation, adamantly asserting, “Godfatherism must die in Rivers.”
**Police Confirm Fatalities Amid Local Government Crisis**
Confirming the fatalities, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that two individuals lost their lives during clashes at various local government council secretariats.
“Due to the breakdown of law and order at several local government council secretariats where supporters of opposing political factions clashed over the tenure of local council chairmen, a police officer and a vigilante were killed in Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA,” Iringe-Koko stated during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
She further emphasized the commencement of investigations into the incidents and assured the public of intensified security measures, with conventional and anti-riot police deployed to all council facilities and critical government infrastructure across the state.
**Youth Protests and Takeovers Amidst Political Tension**
Despite Governor Fubara’s directive for former chairmen to step down, reports emerged of attempts by some ex-officials to resume duties at council secretariats, sparking confrontations with protesting youths.
At Port Harcourt City LGA, ex-chairman Ihundah’s entry was rebuffed by defiant youths, leading to altercations accompanied by sporadic gunshots from security personnel. Similar incidents were reported in Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, Khana, and Omuma LGAs, where youths asserted their allegiance to the governor by occupying council premises.
In a dramatic display of dissent, protesters at Obio/Akpor LGA toppled a statue of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, and defaced banners bearing his image within the council precincts.
**Governor’s Resolve Amidst Accusations**
Governor Fubara convened an emergency security meeting in response to the unrest, affirming his commitment to maintaining order and protecting residents from further violence.
Addressing journalists afterward, he condemned attempts to disrupt peace and clarified the legal standing regarding the tenure of local government chairmen. He emphasized that any attempt to defy legal rulings would be met with stringent enforcement of the law.
In a rebuttal to allegations by former LGA chairman Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, who accused Fubara and his aides of instigating violence through hired gunmen, Commissioner for Information and Communication Warisenibo Johnson dismissed the claims as baseless, underscoring the state’s peaceful status.
**Elder Statesman Blames Wike for Political Turmoil**
Chief Edwin Clark attributed the escalating tensions to former Governor Wike’s interference in state affairs, urging him to focus on his federal responsibilities and allow Governor Fubara to govern without external influence.
