Tension in Rivers as the term of office of LG chairman comes to an end, youths storm the secretariat

Rivers State is on edge as the term of office of local government chairmen ends today, June 17, at midnight, with the chairmen refusing to leave office despite warnings from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) chairmen are relying on a controversial law passed by the State House of Assembly, which extends their term of office by six months.

ALGON State Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, who is also the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, emphasized, “The law passed by the Council empowers us to remain in office.” However, Governor Fubara stated that the law is illegal and has warned the chiefs against taking any action that could disturb the peace of the country.

Youths in Degema and Asari-Toru Local Government Areas have taken matters into their own hands, occupying the council secretariat and demanding the resignation of the chairmen. The young men were seen singing war songs and chanting, “He failed. You must go!” has vowed to stay until Wednesday, challenging the chiefs to return to the secretariat.

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In Degema, youths locked the entrance to the secretariat and put up barricades in front of the gate, while in Asari-Toru, hundreds of youths stormed the council headquarters, occupying the facility and blocking the road to the entrance.

The situation is tense, with heavy security presence in Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor LGA. More than six police patrol cars were stationed in front of the secretariat’s closed entrance, manned by stern-looking security officers. However, people’s movements are not restricted.

The outgoing chairman of Eleme LGA, Obarilomate Ollor, has warned those trying to remove him from office, saying, “Let me tell you, the local government is not the town hall or students union secretariat. It is a government facility. So stay away from there unless the law permits you to go there.”

The stalemate continues, with the potential for further unrest as chiefs refuse to budge and young people retain their jobs in the secretariat. The situation remains volatile, as the state government and its chiefs are embroiled in a power struggle that could have far-reaching consequences.

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