A policeman was killed in Rivers State on Tuesday as protests by youths loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara forced several local government chairmen to vacate their offices. The unrest centers on the disputed tenure of 23 local government chairmen who, despite the expiration of their three-year terms, refused to leave office citing a recent amendment to the Local Government Law.
The violence peaked at the Eberi-Omuma council secretariat, where a policeman and a member of the local vigilante group were killed during clashes between supporters of Governor Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Police have since taken control of the 23 council secretariats to prevent further violence.
The chairmen argue that a law passed by the state assembly, led by Wike loyalists, extends their tenure by six months due to the state government's failure to conduct local elections. However, Governor Fubara disputes this, insisting that the law is invalidated by a court ruling and directing heads of local government administrations to take over.
On Monday, youths occupied the secretariats in Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru, and Degema LGAs, barring chairmen from entering. Tensions continued into Tuesday, with violent incidents reported across several LGAs, including Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, and Emuoha. In Port Harcourt, ALGON Chairman Allwell Ihunda narrowly escaped harm as protesting youths chased him from the council premises.
The state police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the deaths and stated that investigations are ongoing. She urged all parties to remain peaceful while law enforcement ensures the protection of lives and property.
Governor Fubara, after a state security council meeting, reaffirmed his stance against the tenure extension and vowed to maintain peace. He accused his predecessor of fomenting unrest but promised to protect his supporters.
The police command’s takeover of local government offices underscores the severity of the political crisis, which has seen sporadic violence and significant tension between factions loyal to Fubara and Wike. As the situation develops, the state remains on edge, awaiting further directives from the governor and the police.
