A crisis in Rivers State has escalated as protesting youths loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara clashed with local government chairmen who refused to vacate their offices despite the expiration of their tenure. The protesters, who accused the chairmen of staying in office illegally, occupied the secretariats of three local governments, including Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, and Degema.
The police were called in to restore order, but things took a deadly turn when a policeman was killed at Eberi-Omuma in Omuma Local Government Council secretariat during a clash between supporters of Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
To prevent a breakdown of law and order, the police announced the takeover of the 23 council secretariats. The crisis has led to allegations of insecurity and violence in several parts of the state.
The protesting youths claimed that the chairmen had refused to leave office despite the expiration of their tenure and that they were determined to ensure that they do not remain in power. They also accused the chairmen of being behind the violence and insecurity in the state.
The crisis has also led to a power struggle between Fubara and Wike, with both sides trading accusations. Wike’s supporters have accused Fubara of trying to impose his own loyalists on the local governments, while Fubara has accused Wike’s supporters of trying to disrupt the peace in the state.
The governor has directed heads of local government administrations to take charge of council affairs until further notice, but this has been met with resistance from some chairmen who are refusing to leave office.
Meanwhile, the state police command has taken over all 23 council secretariats and critical government infrastructure in the state to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.
In response to the crisis, Governor Fubara has vowed to resist any attempt to arrest his supporters who are standing up for truth and justice. He has also urged peace-loving residents of the state to remain calm and law-abiding.
The crisis in Rivers State is ongoing, with no clear end in sight.
