The crisis in Rivers State worsened on Tuesday over the tenure of 23 local government chairmen as youths loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara dislodged three chairmen who refused to vacate their offices. A policeman was killed in Eberi-Omuma during a clash between supporters of Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. To prevent further violence, the police announced the takeover of all 23 council secretariats.
The three-year tenure of the chairmen expired on Monday, but they cited the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 to justify their continued stay in office. This law, supported by 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, allows them to remain in office for six more months due to the failure of Fubara to conduct local government elections. However, Fubara ordered the heads of local government administrations to take charge from Wednesday.
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Tensions escalated in Port Harcourt when protesting youths chased and attacked Allwell Ihunda, chairman of the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, preventing him from entering the council facility. Similar protests and clashes occurred in other local government areas, with reports of violence and police intervention to restore order.
Governor Fubara convened a state security council meeting, vowing to protect his supporters and maintain peace. He emphasized that there is no extension of tenure for the chairmen and condemned plans to arrest his supporters. The police confirmed the takeover of council secretariats and critical infrastructure, urging residents to remain law-abiding.
