Rivers State, Nigeria witnessed violent clashes yesterday, June 18, 2024 as disputes over the tenure of local government council leaders turned deadly.
The violence, which led to the deaths of a police officer and a vigilance squad member, erupted amid a political standoff within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Tensions rose following a court order maintaining the status quo of the council leaders until a hearing set for tomorrow. However, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s broadcast announcing the replacement of the council chairmen with heads of administration sparked further unrest.
Authorities took control of all 23 local government secretariats to restore order. Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko stated, “To forestall more bloodshed and prevent a further breakdown of law and order, the police have taken over all the council secretariats and some critical government infrastructure.”
The violence claimed two lives in Omuma LGA. Iringe-Koko confirmed, “A police officer and a vigilance squad member were killed during a clash between supporters of the two political factions at the council headquarters.”
Gunshots rang out as pro-Fubara youths seized the Port Harcourt City Local Government secretariat, demanding the ouster of the council chairman. Youth leader Ranson Iyalla Opio said, “We’re here to take over the council following the refusal of the immediate past council chairman to vacate office after the expiration of his tenure.”
Similar protests occurred in Obio-Akpor, Eleme, and other local governments, with demonstrators blocking secretariats and insisting that council chairmen step down.
Governor Fubara: Criticizing the tenure extension as unlawful, the governor said, “The law is the law. The court said there is no extension of tenure. I assure everyone that we will maintain peace and order.”
Council Chairmen’s Defiance: Council leaders, including Ikwerre’s Samuel Nwanosike and Asari-Toru’s Onengiyeofori George, refused to step down. Nwanosike asserted, “We are still council chairmen until a court of competent jurisdiction says otherwise.”
Youth protests and police responses have kept the state on edge, with shots fired in Port Harcourt and confrontations in other LGAs. Protester Ichemanti declared, “We will continue to occupy the gates until the newly appointed members take over the office.”
The situation remains volatile as the Court of Appeal prepares to hear the case and the police work to maintain
