A police personnel and an operative of OSPAC, a local vigilance group member were both killed in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday as the crisis over tenure elongation for the local government council chairmen heightened.
Across the 23 local government areasof the state, violence erupted as youths belonging to the camps of Siminalayi Fubara and Nyesom Wike, Governor and former Governor of river state, respectively, engaged in supremacy battle.
The police have taken over the Obio/Akpor council headquarters to forestall further breakdown of law and order in the said area.
At the premises of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHLGA), there was heavy shooting following a move by the chairman, Ihundah, to access his office. The development sparked serious tension as businesses in the area were temporarily shut down.
Viral videos showed youths jubilating that they were able to stop Ihundah from accessing his office. He was seen fleeing as the angry mob loyal to Governor Fubara matched towards him. It has been reported that Ihundah had arrived at the council secretariat with his security personnel to access his office, but was stopped by the youths, who resumed occupation of the premises on Monday.
It has been said that in a bid to escape from the angry mob, police attached to him started shooting in the air.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in person of Grace Iringe-Koko, denied the involvement of policemen in the shooting.
The rampaging youths also had invaded Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Andoni LGA offices, and locked the gates, insisting that the outgoing chairmen must vacate their offices.
In Degema, the angry youths chanted war songs and appeared battle ready to stop the chairman from remaining in office after his tenure had already expired.
Similarly, protesting youths of Eleme Local Government Area also occupied their council secretariat, stating that the governor was the only authority known to them.
The youths in their numbers moved round the council premises stating that they would not allow anyone take away what belonged to the council.
The police have heightened security in the 23 LGAs, especially at the council headquarters and at the Government House. Over 15 police vehicles were sighted in front of the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that he would fearlessly lead the way to ensure that peace continued to prevail in the state, while also protecting all patriotic supporters for their stand on the path of truth.
He made the vow while addressing newsmen shortly after leaving a state security council meeting with heads of the security agencies at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.
He said, “Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of our progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.”
Also that, “I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors, who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday, June 17, 2024, as provided for by the law.”
“On behalf of the government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices, and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.
He further contended that, “I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.
“As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order is maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAs) to continue to provide leadership in their respective local government areas,” he reiterated.
“HLGAs are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together,” he mentioned.
He continued, “I assure you, my good people of Rivers State, that we shall continue to defend you, provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.”
“Once again, I thank you, my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress and prosperity. Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all,” he added.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police in Rivers State, Mr Olatunji Disu, has assured newsmen that steps had been taken to prevent the breakdown of law and order.
Chinedum Anayo