The crisis in Rivers State escalated on Tuesday over the tenure of 23 local government chairmen, as youths loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara forcibly removed several chairmen who refused to leave their offices. This conflict resulted in the death of a policeman at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Council during a clash between supporters of Fubara and former governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
To maintain order, the police announced the takeover of all 23 council secretariats on Tuesday evening.
Tensions Over Expired Tenures
The three-year terms of the 23 local government chairmen expired on Monday. Despite this, the chairmen, citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024 passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, vowed to remain in office for an additional six months due to the state government’s failure to conduct local elections. This law, supported by 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, extended their tenure in office.
Obarimate Ollor, a council chairman and Secretary of the Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, warned of potential invasions at a recent stakeholder meeting in Port Harcourt.
On Monday, youths occupied the secretariats of three Kalabari-speaking local governments—Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, and Degema—preventing the chairmen from accessing their offices. Governor Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast on Tuesday, directed local government heads to assume control of council affairs starting Wednesday.
Violent Clashes
In the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, ALGON Chairman Allwell Ihunda narrowly escaped an attack by protesting Ijaw youths as he attempted to enter the council premises. His security detail fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd, allowing Ihunda to flee in his SUV while the youths pelted his vehicle with stones and cursed him.
One protester, who wished to remain anonymous, stated they were there to peacefully protest Ihunda’s refusal to leave office. However, the police responded with live bullets and teargas, causing further unrest.
Ongoing Turmoil
The conflict spread to other areas. In Eleme LGA, pro-Fubara supporters chased away the state ALGON secretary and outgoing chairman after a heated argument. In Obio/Akpor, youths occupied the secretariat, destroying a billboard of the FCT Minister and smashing the vehicle of the outgoing chairman, George Ariolu. Similarly, in Emuoha LGA, youths halted the distribution of farm implements by outgoing Chairman Dr. Chidi Lloyd.
Dr. Lloyd criticized Fubara’s directive for local government heads to take charge, calling it ill-advised and legally unsound. He argued that the governor’s decision contradicts the amended Local Government Law and a recent court ruling.
Policeman Killed in Omuma
At the Omuma LGA secretariat, a policeman and a vigilante member were killed during a confrontation. A policeman reportedly shot the vigilante, leading to his own death in retaliation by the protesters. The police confirmed the deaths and stated investigations are ongoing.
Protests and Reactions
Elsewhere, there were reports of shootings by unidentified individuals in Obio/Akpor, Emohua, Eleme, and Khana LGAs. In Ikwerre LGA, outgoing Chairman Dr. Samuel Nwanosike remained in office amidst gunfire, accusing the governor and his Chief of Staff of inciting violence and hiring cultists to attack council properties.
Governor Fubara, addressing the media after a state security council meeting, vowed to protect his supporters from unjust arrests and emphasized the need for peace. He clarified that the local government chairmen’s tenures had ended and that there was no legal extension.
Police and Government Actions
The state police command announced the deployment of officers to all 23 council secretariats and other critical infrastructures to prevent further violence. They warned against any attempts to cause unrest and assured residents of their safety.
Meanwhile, the crisis has drawn national attention. A group of lawmakers from the House of Representatives called for treason charges against the outgoing chairmen and their sponsors for attempting to remain in office unlawfully.
Governor Fubara continues to assert his authority, urging all parties to respect the rule of law and maintain peace in Rivers State.
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