Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration, HLGAs, in the state’s 23 local government areas to take charge of councils starting today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
This directive follows the expiration of the tenure of the 23 Local Government Areas, LGA, Chairmen on Monday, June 17, 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.” in a broadcast on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, reports from various Local Government Areas in the State indicate Uneasy Calm and tension, with sporadic shooting in some LGAs while others remained 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.
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Also within the capital City at Obio-Akpor local Council Secretariat, an official vehicle belonging to the former 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 former 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.
