By Seyi Babalola
Reports from several Local Government regions in Rivers State show variable levels of tension, with some regions witnessing intermittent gunshots and others remaining tranquil.
In the Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, images circulating on social media show security personnel connected to the previous council chairman, Allwell Ihunda, fire irregularly after being pursued by furious youths who claimed they were shot at directly by police.
Similarly, at the Obio-Akpor Council Secretariat, an official vehicle belonging to the council chairman, George Ariorlu, was destroyed and posters were ripped down by people screaming both war and victory songs.
It was gathered that the two local government council chairmen were still within the council premises when the governor concluded his statewide broadcast.
This led to angry youths invading the areas to chase them away.
In Emohua Local Government Council, youths from various communities were seen chanting victory songs and jubilating over the chairman’s departure from office.
Youths have also taken over Eleme, Omuma, Ahoada East, Degema, Asari/Toru, Akuku/Toru, Onelga, Okrika, and Ogu/Bolo LGAs.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rowland Sekibo, has urged pro-Wike groups in the three Kalabari-speaking LGAs to shun violence and maintain peace despite provocations from opposing factions.
Sekibo issued this appeal in Buguma, speaking on behalf of the three council chairmen in Kalabari Kingdom at the Asari-Toru Council Secretariat.
He emphasized the importance of patience, noting that the matter is still in court, and urged the groups to remain peaceful while awaiting the court’s judgment.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration, HLGAs, in the state’s 23 local government areas to take charge of councils starting today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
