Breaking News: Former Council Chairmen Protest In Rivers State Over Takeover Dispute
The tension in Rivers State escalated today as former council chairmen from 21 out of 23 local governments took to the streets to protest against the takeover of their offices. The protests began early this morning, with the former chairmen and their supporters expressing their rejection by waving placards and chanting slogans.
The former chairmen, who are reportedly loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, have been facing difficulties accessing their council secretariats due to a directive for the police to take control of all 23 local government council secretariats. This move has led to clashes between supporters of the former chairmen and the authorities.
In Buguma, the headquarters of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, former Chairman Onengiyeofori George led a procession of supporters in solidarity with Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike. Meanwhile, in Abonnema, the headquarters of Akuku-Toru LGA, another group of protesters gathered to support the police's closure of the council premises.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara had directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take over the leadership of the council areas after the expiration of the tenure of the elected officials. However, the former chairmen have refused to step down, leading to a deepening crisis in the state.
The situation was further complicated by a recent court ruling annulling the tenure extension granted by a 27-member Assembly loyal to Wike. Instead, the court recognized a three-man House of Assembly loyal to Wike, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape in Rivers State.