The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rivers

  • JUST IN: Pro-police protests rock Rivers 23 councils’ secretariats

    JUST IN: Pro-police protests rock Rivers 23 councils’ secretariats

    Peaceful protests to support the police by the 21 ousted local government chairmen and their supporters have rocked the 23 councils’ secretariats in Rivers state.

    The ousted chairmen contesting tenure elongation and their loyalists stormed their various secretariats in solidarity with the ongoing barricades of the secretariats pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on Speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

    The protests were organised to counter the earlier plans by the state chapters of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to hold protests and force the police to vacate the secretariats.

    Read Also: Rivers’ descent into violence

    The labour unions, however, cancelled their plan after the intervention of the newly inaugurated caretaker committee chairmen, who warned against such demonstrations and declared support for the police.

    It was gathered that the proactive decision of the caretaker committee chairmen averted a possible bloody clash between their supporters and the loyalists of the ousted chairmen.

    Details shortly…

  • Rivers crisis: Ousted chairmen kick against dissolutions of standing committees

    Rivers crisis: Ousted chairmen kick against dissolutions of standing committees

    Some of the ousted chairmen of Rivers State local government areas have kicked against the decisions of the newly inaugurated caretaker chairmen to dissolve standing committees in their various councils.

     The ousted chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, said the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Darlington Orji, lacked the legitimacy to dissolve the committees.

    He said: “The announcement from the said Darlington Oji is entirely false and misleading. Dr. Nwanosike Samuel, as the duly elected chairman, retains full authority over the establishment and dissolution of all committees within the Ikwerre Local Government.

     “Any such decision must come directly from his office, and no such dissolution has been authorized or communicated by him.

     “The committees in question remain active and continue to perform their designated functions under the leadership of Dr. Nwanosike Samuel. It is important for the public to be aware that any contrary claims are baseless and should be disregarded.

    “We urge the public to rely on official communications from the office of the Ikwerre Local Government Chairman for accurate information.”

     Also, the ousted chairman of Obio-Akpo, Dr. George Ariolu, said the committees dissolved by the new Caretaker Chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, remained functional.

     He said: “I state that all standing committees, and ad hoc committees formed and created by me, the Executive Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, George Ariolu Ph.D. remain functional and operational.

     “I make this rebuttal because the Rivers State House of Assembly led by  Martin C. Amaewhule  has extended the tenure of Executive Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and councillors of the local government council of Rivers State by six months, and same extension is now subject of litigation , for which the court has ordered that parties maintain status quo.

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     “Based on our information, one Chijioke Ihunwo and his illegal CTC members have in a letter dated 19th day of June, 2024 in defiance of the order of the court and the extant law as made by the Rivers State House of Assembly announced the dissolution of all standing committees and adhoc committees created by the elected council executive.

    “A detailed appraisal of the present situation indicates that Chijioke Ihunwo and his cohorts do not have any right from any source of law, being that the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended do not recognize Caretaker Government, and to dissolve any committee formed/created by the elected executive of the local government council or create by elected local government official for whatever purpose, is an aberration.

    “Consequently, members of the public are advised to ignore whatever announcement regarding the dissolution of all or any standing committees of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council ranging from revenue, sanitation environmental, markets operating within the LGA.

     “I further advise that members of the public should continue to relate and deal with all members of the committees as formed by the elected Executives of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, and also request that the security agents will take notice of this position and deal with same appropriately.”

  • Rivers of trouble (2)

    Rivers of trouble (2)

    A political crisis, once it breaks out, often escalates. Such is the fate of Rivers State, where political leaders and elders are enmeshed in conflicts. It is an ill will that will blow nobody any good. The costly crisis would have been avoided if politicians had spared some thoughts and weighed the consequences of their actions.

    One crisis breeds more crises. The beginning is known, but nobody can accurately predict its end, the scape-goat casualties, the economy of warfare, and its psychological effects on the victims.

    A predecessor-successor crisis is not new in the state. After the distinguished medical doctor, Peter Odili, handed over to Rotimi Amaechi, communication broke down between him and his boy. The experienced politician never openly fought with his stooge on the pages of newspapers, but there was a hushed up cold war.

    Following Nyesom Wike‘s appointment as minister by former President Goodluck Jonathan, there was the parting of ways between the former Chief of Staff and Governor Amaechi, who later left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was purely on a political difference.

    The then Governor Wike and his predecessor, Amaechi, who later became a minister in the Muhammadu Buhari sdministration, became foes.

    The trend of crises between governors and their predecessors never constituted a threat to public peace. But today in Rivers, there is a threat to law and order.

    As goes the saying: where two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. In the last six months, tension has engulfed the oil-rich state polarised by the protracted feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Wike, incumbent Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Put succinctly, the Southsouth state is at war with itself over the discord between the godfather and his estranged godson.

    At a time Fubara and Wike should deepen their collaboration for the development of Rivers, their needless quarrel has given peace the wings to take a flight.

    This is worrisome. In order of economic importance and prospects, Rivers is next to Lagos. If the pattern of public disruption persists, it may constitute a serious threat to national business, besides its own economy going to limbo.

    In the course of the strange battle, the legislature has been at the receiving end. The law-making organ is being crippled and bastardised. The legislature is the first and most important organ of government in a democracy. But the arm has not been allowed to function effectively in the course of the costly crisis.

    The House of Assembly was bombed. Later, it was completely brought down. Much later, the maze was relocated to the Executive Chambers, the domain of the Executive. Also, the residential quarters of the lawmakers was not spared. The governor erroneously thought that it was his property. He threatened to demolish it when he paid an emergency visit to the place, without prior notice to the occupants.

    Majority of the aggrieved lawmakers have also threatened to impeach the governor, making him to gird his loins. Fubara is not sleeping on guard. But the steps he has taken so far have exacerbated the slippery political ground across the state instead of reducing it.

    There have been claims and counter-claims about arson and assassination attempts. Commissioners and other aides have abruptly resigned, reabsorbed and called it quits again. The House of Assembly has split into two; a case of three lawmakers claiming superiority over 27. Democracy is on sickbed in Rivers because the gates to the state’s parliament are shut against the people’s elected representatives. The hand of the executive is heavy on the legislature. It is hampering the doctrine of separation of powers.

    While governors of other less endowed states are scratching their heads and working assiduously to expand their revenue bases, implement developmental projects and erect lasting legacies, political leaders in Rivers, who are swimming in a pool of money, are locked in a needless superiority war that has diverted their attention from the legitimate business of the state.

    The predecessor-successor rift was never anticipated. Under Wike, Fubara was a loyal civil servant. Like other permanent secretaries, his career target was probably to become the Head of Service. But he was catapulted to the driver’s seat by God’s grace. It fulfilled Wike’s succession agenda. The transition was smooth. But the romance ended there. The cordial relationship was replaced by politics of hate, intrigues and bickering within three months. Old allies are now up in arms. Sadly, there is no end in sight to the acrimony.

    A new dimension to the crisis is the regression to ethnic rivalry. Leaning on the tribal pillar, some elements are fueling the fire. But Fubara, though a product of zoning or power rotation, is not the governor of an ethnic group but of all Rivers indigenes and residents.

     The lesson is instructive. Godfather-governors may need a realistic appraisal before making cardinal decisions on succession in the future to prevent a similar scenario and avert a crisis that may take its tolls on effective governance.

    The protracted rift has now graduated into clashes over antagonistic claims about tenure expiration and extension across the 23 local government areas of the state. The two sides of the dissension, observers say, are incongruous. The supporters on both sides see the dispute as the continuation of the feud between the two top political leaders.

    Predictably, the state slid into violence during the week. Rivers almost became a war zone before policemen moved in to halt a likely chaos. There was bloodletting on the streets. Two people – a policeman and a member of a vigilance group – were murdered. The next day, the death toll rose to three. A former student leader closely linked with the protests was murdered by unknown persons. They are not kinsmen of Fubara and Wike. Their bereaved families are left to mourn their dead alone. Whatever the solutions the warring parties might bring to the table in the days or weeks or months ahead cannot bring back the dead. Lives have been wasted.

    The police are still looking for the killers, who are likely to be known by some people but may not be apprehended, thereby rendering the investigation futile.

    The police command had to divert attention from chasing criminals to mounting surveillance at council secretariats where youths were on the prowl. The protesters threatened fire and brimstone.

    It was a harrowing experience for the few men of conscience in the state.

    Barely a year ago, the two warring sides were one; aptly united by their collective dedication to retain PDP in power in the state in post-Wike era. The parting of ways was curious and sudden. The consequence is that instead of focusing on proper governance, a lot of energy is being dissipated to manage the crisis.

    Rivers has curiously chosen the path of hullabaloo. It is a very rich state comprising many idle able-bodied youths who, instead of going to work, chose to invade council secretariats in a protest against or defence of the two warring lords. The protests may have been sponsored. The carrot was big to the extent that the rented crowd refused to go home.

    The barbarism of partisan political leaders is underscored by their unwillingness to allow the court to give the final verdict on the disputed matter before tacitly encouraging youths to take the laws into their hands.

    Read Also: Fubara replaces Rivers Traditional Rulers Council chairman Sergeant Awuse

    Yet, neither side could be said to be legally right. In the past, a conflict like the current one was usually resolved by actors embracing a political solution. In other states, the approach still works.

    However, despite President Bola Tinubu brokering reconciliation, the peace deal still collapsed. Its terms were being implemented initially. It rekindled hope about an amicable resolution. Suddenly, the beat stopped. Those responsible for the implementation of the peace proposals pulled the brake. Other terms were rejected in a matter of weeks. Mutual trust and confidence broke down completely. Cracks widen on the wall. They cannot be mended. Things have fallen apart. The centre cannot hold.

    The crux of the matter is that Fubara and Wike are competing for space. They are locked in battle over the soul of the Rivers PDP. The governor is leaning on the power of incumbency at the state level. The performing minister is the apple of the President’s eyes at the federal level. The state, having become divided, the governor is targeting the councils for the expansion of his personal structures. He inherited those structures before the outbreak of the crisis. Now, he is fighting to keep them.

    Now, the battlefield has shifted to the councils. The local government affair is a delicate issue when the law or the constitution is invoked. The conflict of interpretations heralds trouble. Nigeria has to decide if the local government system should be an autonomous tier under the federal constitution or administrative units created by states for ease of administration at the local level.

    In Rivers, after three years, the tenure of council chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors has expired. In anticipation of the expiration, no concerted effort was made by the governor to conduct council polls for ease of legal and legitimate power transfer at the grassroots.

    According to the 1999 Constitution, a democratically elected council is fully guaranteed. The court has affirmed this clause on many occasions. But politicians, particularly governors, are clever and ever willing to violate the provision or gloss over it. Under the constitution, there is no room for caretaker committee for the local governments.

    But, how valid is the contrasting argument for tenure extension? The 27-members of the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, claimed to have extended the tenure of the chairmen. The factional three-member Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo, brandishing an injunction, said the extension was fake, illegal, null and void. Oko-Jumbo said the extension by 27 lawmakers cannot stand.

    The House of Assembly can more create local governments, suspend erring chairmen and exercise control. But the court has to now rule on the contentious issue of whether the House of Assembly can actually extend the tenure of chairmen under the 1999 Constitution or the state law.

    Although Fubara had insisted that the tenure had expired and hurriedly inaugurated caretaker committees, the new chairmen could only set shops outside the council secretariats, which are currently a “no-go zone.” The police that are keeping the peace there have said the premises would be under lock and key until the court delivers its judgment in the case.

    Amaewhule and his group also scored a point in the court. While Oko-Jumbo claimed that the 27 have ceased to be PDP lawmakers, the court said they never defected to the APC. The raging controversy has continued. The question is: who is the authentic Speaker? Which of the two Houses of Assembly is the authentic legislature?

    Instead of waiting for the court to show the way, the combatants on both sides resorted to hooliganism, crippled governance and gave the state a bad name.

    Even some elements rejected the intervention of the police in an attempt to restore law and order. They asked Police Commissioner Disu to pack and go, insisting that having served in the state for many years, their pranks and tricks were easily detected by the cop.

    Observers are building scenarios. The court is the final arbiter. But it may not be the end of the matter. The court ruling will create victors and vanquished. It will not be a win-win solution. Blames will be apportioned. Fines have to be paid. There will be vengeance.

    If the verdict goes against pro-Fubara lawmakers, certain things have to be reversed. The conflicts will continue. If it is against pro-Wike lawmakers, the crisis will fester.

    Would it not have been better for the combatants to embrace political solution characterised by dialogue, sacrifice, give and take, reconciliation and forgiveness instead of setting their state on fire?

  • Coalition tells Imo lawmaker to steer clear of Rivers politics

    Coalition tells Imo lawmaker to steer clear of Rivers politics

    Coalition for Good Governance in Rivers State has called on member representing Ideator North/South in Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, to stay off politics of the state.

    President, Joe Samson, and Secretary, Aaron Igbijoh, in a statement in Abuja yesterday, described the lawmaker as an interloper.

    The group said it had monitored his actions and statements regarding the rift between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, House of Assembly, and elected Local Government chairmen, and are compelled to address concerns and questions regarding his involvement in this matter.

    In the statement, they said Ugochinyere does not represent Rivers or any part of it.

    The group said Rivers has competent, experienced resentatives in the National Assembly who can speak for the state if and when the need arises.

    According to the group, the lawmaker’s claim of leading 60 members of the House, known as G60 was false.

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    It urged the lawmaker to stop making disparaging comments about Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

    The statement reads: “His claim there are 60 members in his group, referred to as “G60,” is misleading… We confirmed the group has no more than seven members…

    “Furthermore, his call for Rivers State to invoke sections of the criminal code and institute treason charges against the 23 council chairmen and their alleged sponsors and co-conspirators, betrays his ignorance and disregards the fact the Assembly has extended their tenure for  six months and that the matter is at the Court of Appeal. This interference in another state’s affairs makes him an interloper meddling in matters outside his competence and constituency.

    “In addition, we have observed his use of disrespectful language when referring to Nyesom Wike, former  Rivers Governor and minister of  Federal Capital Territory. Wike has demonstrated competence and capacity in every position he held, earning him the respect and support of the people of Rivers and Nigerians. We advise him to cease these disrespectful remarks…

    “We have some questions for him: Are there no problems or challenges in Imo that require his attention? Why is he getting involved in matters outside his constituency when Rivers has elected and competent representatives in National Assembly? Why does he claim to represent “G60” when his group is 7?

  • Rivers caretaker chairmen begin dissolution of standing LGA committees

    Rivers caretaker chairmen begin dissolution of standing LGA committees

    Despite not having access to their local government secretariats, the newly inaugurated caretaker committee chairmen for local government areas in Rivers have started performing their functions.

    On Thursday morning, most of them announced the dissolution of all standing committees in their various local government areas.

    During their inauguration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the Chairmen were asked by the state Governor to avoid any violent confrontations and operate from anywhere within their councils.

    While some inaugurated members of their committees outside the gates of their councils, others performed similar functions in customary courts and hotels.

    The police had before the inauguration of the chairmen taken over all the councils’ secretariats following the Tuesday’s violent clashes that resulted in the killings of a policeman and a vigilant group member.

    The Chairman of Emohua, David Omereji, reportedly inaugurated members of his CTC at the Customary Court in Rumuji following his inability to access the local government council secretariat.

    The Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Omuma Local Government Area, Promise Reginald, dissolved all standing committees of his local government.

    He named the dissolved committees as revenue, petroleum taskforce, sanitation, motor parks and other ad hoc committees set up by the immediate past administration.

    He said: The dissolution is with immediate effect. By this announcement, all affected persons are to hand over all council property in their possession to the office of the chairman.

    Also in Asari Toru Local Government Area, the CTC Chairman, Orolosama Peter Amachree, ordered the dissolution of all appointments, committees, and task forces established by the previous administration. 

    He said: “The directive includes the transfer of all council properties to the office of the chairman, bidding farewell to the outgoing officials and wishing them success in their future pursuits.

    “In a strategic move to stimulate the local economy, the chairman will initiate an economic empowerment program targeting 50 individuals. 

    “Each participant will receive a startup capital of ten million naira to support their entrepreneurial endeavors.

    “Asari Toru Local Government is poised for progress and prosperity under the leadership of Orolosama P Amachree”

    Read Also: Rivers caretaker committee chairmen yet to assume office

    In Obio-Akpo, the chairman, caretaker committee, Amb Ihunwo Chijioke dissolved all standing committees of the local government.

    The Chairman said: “This includes revenue, sanitation, motor parks and other adhoc committees set up by the immediate past administration. The dissolution is with immediate effect.

    “By this announcement, all affected persons are to hand over all council property in their possession to the office of the chairman.

    “Companies operating in Obio Akpor local government area should also take note of the development and stop dealing with fake agents and unauthorized persons. Furthermore, security agencies are directed to arrest and prosecute impersonators.

  • Rivers dismisses Okocha’s call for emergency rule as ‘Bobo juice’

    Rivers dismisses Okocha’s call for emergency rule as ‘Bobo juice’

    The Rivers State Government has dismissed the call for an emergency rule  by the Rivers Caretaker Committee (CTC) Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tony Okocha, describing it as “Bobo juice”.

    The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, said Okocha’s ranting was not worth responding to.

    He said Okocha had become notorious for spreading lies and scaremongering adding that nobody would take such character serious in the state.

    Johnson recalled that Okocha once raised the alarm over what he claimed was an outbreak of cholera in the state but a team of medical experts visited the area and discovered he told a big lie.

    He said: “On Tony Okocha I don’t think that what Okocha said is worth giving any attention. We should not break our heads over what Tony Okocha said.

    “The other time he said there was a cholera outbreak when the medical personnel visited the place they said there is nothing like that. 

    “Another day he (Okocha) said he was welcoming members of the House of Assembly who defeated the APC. What is the position today?

    “He also said that he was going to ask the members of the House of Assembly to commence impeachment of the governor, what is the position today? 

    “All these talks are what we call Bobo juice, He is talking to himself, he is not talking to anybody and he is not talking to Rivers people.”

  • Rivers caretaker committee chairmen yet to assume office

    Rivers caretaker committee chairmen yet to assume office

    The 23 newly inaugurated Caretaker Committee Chairmen (CTC) in Rivers State are yet to assume office.

    They were screened by four members the House of Assembly members on Wednesday morning and immediately sworn in by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    However,  The Nation reports they are yet to take over in the various Council Areas with police operatives still occupying the Secretariats.

    Around 11 am when The Nation left Obio-Akpor council on Wednesday, the gates were still under lock and key with over 40 police officers and and trucks mounting surveillance.

    Read Also: JUST IN: APC calls for State of Emergency in Rivers over violence

    They were also personnel of the Nigerian security and  Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the gates. 

    Some members of the public were also sighted standing around the Council area in anticipation the newly commissioned Chairmen would be resume shortly after inauguration. 

    One of them told our correspondent: “We’re expecting our new LGA chairman, Comrade Chijioke Ihunwo. We thought he will come here from Government House to take over the Council. So we came to welcome him but it is like he will not come now. So I have to go home and come back when he comes.”

  • Rivers descends into violence over tenure of 23 Council chiefs

    Rivers descends into violence over tenure of 23 Council chiefs

    • Policeman, vigilance member killed
    • Police take control of secretariats after face-off between PDP factions

    Rivers State was enveloped in apprehension yesterday following the eruption of violence in some local government secretariats.

    Two people – a policeman and a vigilante squad member – were confirmed dead from the violence, which followed the face-off between warring political groups in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the tenure of the elected officials of the 23 local governments.

    Relying on the Court of Appeal order, which specifies the sustenance of status quo until the hearing of suits on the matter slated for tomorrow, council chairmen and executives vowed to stay on for another six months according to the law passed by Martins Amawule –led House of Assembly.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s broadcast yesterday announced the exit of the chairmen and their replacement with heads of administration.

    Youths poured into the streets to enforce the position expressed by the governor.

    After an all-day brickbats between supporters of the two groups, the police last night announced that they had taken control of 23 local government secretariats.

    The police confirmed that the two people were killed in Omuma LGA during a clash.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the killings, said an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

    Iringe-Koko said in a statement that the duo were killed during a bloody clash between supporters of two political groups at the council headquarters.

    She said the police had now occupied the council secretariats to forestall violence.

    The statement reads: “Following the breakdown of law and order in the various local government council secretariats in Rivers State where supporters of the two political factions clashed over the tenure of council chairmen, a case of death was recorded at Eberi-Omuma, Omuma LGA, where a police officer and a vigilante were killed.

    “To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the 23 council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure in the state.

    “Conventional police officers and anti-riot police officers have been deployed to these facilities.

    “While urging all groups and individuals to be law-abiding, the Command also warns anyone who intends to cause mayhem as we will not hesitate to impose the full weight of the law on them.

    “We also wish to ask the law-abiding residents and visitors in the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear. We are resolved to carry out our constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.”

    Governor Fubara, who held a meeting with the various security agencies, vowed to resist any attempt to arrest any of his supporters.

    Gunshots in Port-Harcourt council

    Fear engulfed Port-Harcourt, the state capital, following sporadic gunshots at the

    City Local Government along Moscow Road, which had been taken over by youths loyal to Fubara.

    The protesting youths vowed to prevent the chairman and councillors from gaining access to the secretariat today.

    The irate youths also resisted attempts by the police to disperse them.

    Although police fired steadily into the air to scare away the youths, they remained unperturbed as they mounted canopies to lay siege.

    The Chairman of the Port Harcourt chapter of the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC),  Ranson Iyalla Opio, said the youths took over the gates of the secretariat because the chairman’s tenure had expired.

    He said the youths would continue to occupy the place until the governor swears in a successor.

    Read Also:BREAKING: Police take over Rivers council secretariats

    Opio said:  “We’re here to take over the council following the refusal of the immediate past Council chairman, Allwell Ihunwo, to vacate office after the expiration of his three-year tenure on June 17.

    “It is our civil responsibility to promote democracy. We are Rivers people. We’re Ijaw. We voted them into office and we will also remind them of the need to vacate office when their tenure expires.

    “We will continue to occupy the gates until the newly appointed CTC members take over the office.”

    One of the aggrieved youths, who spoke in confidence, said they were at the secretariat to carry out a peaceful demonstration against the local government chairmen, Allwell Ihunda.

    He claimed that Ihunda had vowed not to vacate his office despite the expiration of his tenure, adding that the threat prompted them to mobilise to stop his bid to continue in office.

    A protester, who identified himself as Ichemanti, claimed that one of the protesting youths was shot by the police.

    But, Iringe-Koko denied the allegation, saying: “It is not the police that is shooting. Our men have been deployed already to identify and apprehend those disturbing the peace.

    “As I speak to you now, the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police are on patrol. Policemen have been deployed there and they are visible.

    “We will ensure nobody takes the laws into their hands under our watch.”

    In Obio-Akpor, Wike’s council area, hundreds of the youths, led by Ihunwo Chijoke, an avowed Fubara supporter, took over the council secretariat.

    The aggrieved youths smashed the windshield of the chairman’s car, forcing him to flee from his office

    One of the youths said: “We have taken over the council. Wike must obey Sim. We are here with Chijoke Ihunwo to totally take over the council.”

    At Eleme Local Government, youths invaded the secretariat, vowing to resist tenure elongation.

    A community leader, Chief Ebieemere Gokpa, who addressed the crowd, claimed that the chairman had travelled to Canada.

    He said: “We will remain here until the Rivers governor gives further directive.”

    Youths loyal to Chibuike Peter and Gift Okere stormed the Oyigbo council secretariat,  warning elected officials to steer clear.

    In Ahoada East and Emohua councils, the youths said they would continue to keep vigil.

    At Emohua council, one of the youths said the secretariat remained their collective property, adding that no single person should lay claim to it.

    He said: “This council does not belong to Chidi Lloyd (chairman). It belongs to all of us. We don’t have electricity for three years.

    “We are calling on the governor to integrate our council in his political movement. We are here. If you want to kill us, we are ready to die”.

    At Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government, the youths who took over the secretariat said they would hand it over to the incoming interim management team.

    At Asari-Toru, Ahoada East, Ogu-Bolo, the Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, who hails from the area, led youths to seize the secretariat.

    But at Ikwerre Local Government, the Chairman, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, secured his secretariat located at Isiokpo.

    Ikwere youths loyal to Nwanosi vowed to resist any attempt by pro-Fubara youths to seize the secretariat.

    There were repeated gunshots at the Isiokpo junction that compelled the management of the Wigwe University located in the area to ask workers to go home.

    Tinubu should intervene, says Nwanosike

    Nwanosike called on President Bola Tinubu to protect the constitution from undemocratic elements in Rivers State.

    He accused Ehie of leading thugs to invade and loot the council secretariats, claiming that the thugs shot at the chairmen and killed some policemen.

    Ehie denied the allegation, saying that he never mobilised the youths.

    Nwanosike said: “Thugs led by the Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, are going from council to council, breaking secretariats, looting properties in the name of governing a state.

    “We call on Mr President that this is the time for the constitution of Nigeria to be upheld.

    “The governor has brought back full-blown insecurity into Rivers State.

    “Ikwerre local government people will sit down and wait for the decision of the Court of Appeal that states clearly that status quo should remain.”

    Fubara to set up caretaker committees

    A source said Fubara had compiled the list of Interim Management Team (IMT) members for local governments to be forwarded to the factional House of Assembly, led by Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo for screening and confirmation.

    Governor, security chiefs meet

    Fubara, who held a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state, warned against what he described as a grand plot to arrest his supporters.

    He said his administration would no longer tolerate the arrest of his supporters on trumped-up charges, adding that security agents must pass through him before undertaking such action.

    The governor said he would ensure peace in the state and protect his supporters, who are defending the truth.

    Fubara faulted the law extending the tenure of council chairmen, saying it is ambiguous and alien.

    He said: “I am also aware that there is a grand plan to come and arrest some of our supporters.

    “This time around, you have to pass through me to arrest them because I don’t think there is anything that any of those people following us has done. Rather, they are standing on the side of truth.

    “If it will cost us our lives to stand on the path of truth, we will do that. And I will be the one that will lead the course.

    “Let me assure everyone, more especially, the great and peace-loving people of Rivers State, the law is the law. The law has said that there is no extension of tenure.

    “The court said so, and whoever is assuring anybody anywhere of whatever, I advise them to desist from it because peace is what we need in this state.

    “I assure every one of you that whatever it takes to make sure that we maintain peace and order, we are not going back on that.”

    Fubara explained that he called the Security Council meeting because of the recent threat to the peace by the outgone council chairmen.

    The governor thanked the media and people of the state for their support, and urged residents to remain law-abiding for the unity and progress of the state.

    We will not abdicate, say Nwanosike, George

    Nwanosike and his Asari-Toru council counterpart, Onengiyeofori George, vowed to continue in office despite Fubara’s announcement that the tenure of chairmen had expired.

    George said the invasion of his council by gunmen meant that Rivers had become a Banana Republic.

    He lamented that the peace that reigned in the state during the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike had been shattered.

    George wondered why militants were allowed to storm council secretariats with arms looking for chairmen to chase away.

    He said: “I saw a situation where unconventional gunmen turned to special squads moving round the council areas. That is the state we now live in.

    “If the tenure of chairmen elapses, is it unconventional gunmen that will come and chase the chairmen away?”

    George lamented that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) could not access the local government in the Kalabari area.

    Describing Fubara as a man with a knife and the yam, he called on the governor to abide by the law.

    He said Fubara, who failed to appeal the judgment of Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, only approached the state High Court to obtain an injunction.

    Nwanosike commended the police for their role, saying without them, the situation would have been worse.

    Nwanosike added: “We are still council chairmen until a court of competent jurisdiction says otherwise.

    “We will obey the police and leave the councils for now because we are law-abiding people.”

  • Rivers council crisis: Policemen, vigilance member die

    Rivers council crisis: Policemen, vigilance member die

    The Local Government Area succession crisis has claimed a policeman and a vigilance group member in Rivers State.

    Though details of the incident were still sketchy, it was gathered that the victims were killed at Omuma Local Government Area of the state.

    Read Also: Rivers State and Wike’s  leadership burden

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice.

  • UPDATED: Rivers LGA succession crisis hots up, as youths take over two councils

    UPDATED: Rivers LGA succession crisis hots up, as youths take over two councils

    A palpable tension caused by the ongoing  succession crisis enveloped the 23 local government areas of Rivers State on Monday sparking fears of possible outbreak of violence among residents of the oil-rich state.

    At Degema Local Government Area secretariat, some youths were seen blocking the main entrance, chanting songs in solidarity and demanding the departure of the council’s Chairman, Michael John Williams.

    The youths vowed to remain at the gate till Wednesday to stop Williams and other elected officials from gaining access their offices.

    They insisted that their three-year tenure on June 17 and that they should not be seen around the secretariat after the Sallah holiday.

    The youths were heard chanting “Chairman must go”, as others arrived the gate to join them.

    Same scenario played out at Asari-Toru Local Government Secretariat where youths barricaded the gate to stop their LGA Chairman and others from gaining access to the area.

    But at the Port Harcourt City LGA, over four patrol vans of policemen were seen keeping vigil at the gate to prevent possible breakdown of law and order.

    There were indications that Rivers Governor, Siminialayi Fubara, had sent a list of caretaker committees to the lawmakers led by factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo.

    Scores of armed youths, suspected to be surveillance workers,  were seen in a viral video parading the creeks of riverine Local councils.

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) claimed the Governor had sent names of the seven-man caretaker committees for each local government area to Oko-Jumbo-led lawmakers for screening.

    An unidentified leader of joint task force anti-bunkering Southsouth was seen threatening fire and brimstone in another viral video.

    He said he came home with half of his armed men to take over the 23 local government areas and to escort the Caretaker committees to their various councils.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Rivers LGA succession crisis hots up as youths take over two councils

    He particularly drew a battle line with the outgoing Chairman of the Ikwerre Local Government Area, Samuel Nwanosike, who earlier vowed not to vacate his office after June 17.

    He said: “We are preparing and we are about to take over the local government areas on Wednesday. We are taking over the 23 local government areas. Let them wait for us, we are coming. 

    “We will be escorting every local government caretaker. My business is to work for the government and relate with the government to fight crime. I work with the joint task force. I am in charge of anti-bunkering Southsouth. 

    “I am back home with half of my men. We are getting ready for Wednesday. Let all the caretaker get ready to host my boys too. The Chairman of Ikwerre should  wait for me. 

    “I volunteer to come to Ikwerre, wait for us. If your head is hot, we will pour it cold water and it will be cool so that you learn how to respect elders and authority especially the number one citizen”.

    But the police in the state asked the parties to obey the Court of Appeal order on status quo and vowed to secure the lives and properties in the state.

    The Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, who sent officers and operatives to monitor the councils, assured residents of their safety.

    He urged parents to call their children tomorrow insisting that anyone found breaking the law would face the punishment.

    Speaking after addressing the operatives on Monday, CP Disu, said parents should warn their children against getting involved in the crisis to avoid being used as cannon fodders.

    He said: “My job as a policeman protect lives and property.  And that is what we have gone out to do since morning. 

    “We are aware of the crisis that has to do with the tenure of the Local Government Chairmen and we have gotten one court order or the other, and the court of Appeal has given an order for everybody to exercise restraints till the  20th of this month, just three days.

    “So we expect everybody to respect it and not take laws into their hands and allow peace to continue as it is.” 

    He said his officers working round the clock to safeguard the property and lives of residents of the state. 

    He said: “Sincerely you know our officers have been out for the past three days. I just finished addressing them and I thank them for the good job they have done and because they have been out since 4a.m, and they just came back.

    “We are not taking it lightly. We are ready to go. Our officers have been on a show of force and we have had additional men given to us from the headquarters, the equipment has been serviced and we are ready to go. 

    “This is just to assure members of the public that so far as we are concerned we are ready to do our jobs of protecting lives and property.

    “We have warned anybody who would want to take laws into their hands. I want to use this opportunity to talk to parents to call their children to order and talk to them so that their children will not be used as cannon folds in this crisis.

    “Everything that has to do with government property and every human being in this community would be protected.”

    A famous freedom fighter, Alh. Alhaji Asari Dokubo advised the 23 local government areas to accept the end of their three years’ tenure in good faith, and resist creating crisis. 

    Speaking shortly after the Sallah Solidarity visit by stakeholders of the Muslim community in the State to Governor Fubara, Asari said tenure elongation was an aberration to the constitution of the country 

    He said: “Local Government tenure has expired today, 17th June 2024. They should quietly go home. If they want to seek re-election in accordance with the constitution, they should go and seek re-election.

    “But there is no tenure elongation in the constitution. Their position is tenure bound, and that tenure has expired. 

    “Let them not cause unnecessary problem for the people of the state. And I want to advise young people, that look, don’t allow yourselves to be used.”

    Asari said young Rivers people must protect the state against self-seeking individuals, who thought it was their private estate.

    He said: “The people are showing peoples power. The people have gone on their own to take over local government secretariat because it is about the people, and nobody can say that we voted for three years tenure for a chairman and the chairman should exceed one second of that tenure.

    “So, the people of Rivers State are exercising their people’s power and they are ready to take over until the government is ready to conduct a new election.”

    However, the Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Area, George Onyengieforu, confirmed that his council was blocked in the morning by the youths.

    He said he was on his way to the council when he sighted the development and decided to make a u-turn.

    He wondered why people were asking them to hand over when there was no proper arrangement to take over. 

    He said: “Nigerians know today is a public holiday. I have seen the place. Just the kalabari legs. Tenure ends, who am I giving to?. We are governed by the Constitution. 

    “The Assembly and the governor are in appeal. We should wait till the end of the appeal on the 20th. I appeal to the youths to remain calm. We should not kill ourselves”.