Youths in Rivers State have stormed local government secretariats to protest the tenure extension of local government chairmen.
On Monday, youths took over the council headquarters in Degema Local Government Area, expressing their opposition to the extended terms of the chairmen.
This unrest follows the recent move by local government chairmen, under the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to remain in office for an additional six months. This extension is supported by a law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which empowers them to extend their tenure.
ALGON Chairman Allwell Ihunda, who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, defended their decision, citing the Local Government Amendment Law. The law, passed by lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, allows the council chairmen to stay in office due to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to conduct local government elections.
Governor Fubara, during an event in Port Harcourt, warned the LG chairmen to vacate their positions, emphasizing the need for peace in the state. Contrarily, Amaewhule warned against setting up caretaker committees to fill the positions, stating that the lawmakers would not support such a move.
Youths in Degema occupying the council secretariat early on Monday, blocked the entrance, vowing to prevent the outgoing chairman from returning. A similar scenario is also happening in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, with youths occupying the council headquarters and displaying solidarity.
security measures have been taken in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and Obio/Akpor LG to prevent security breaches. Numerous police patrol vans, manned by security operatives, were seen at the secretariats, though movement was not restricted.
Outgoing Eleme LG Chairman, Obarilomate Ollor, issued a stern warning to those attempting to forcefully remove him from office. Addressing stakeholders in Port Harcourt, he emphasized that the council is a government facility and warned against unlawful entry.
The State police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, assured that the police are monitoring the situation and urged everyone to maintain peace.
