…Threat to Peace Looms

Amidst threat and the counter threat of Armageddon between the opposing camps, Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday bid the Chairmen of the 23 local governments farewell, thanking them for their services and directing the Heads of Administration in the local governments to take over leadership in the councils.

Contrary to the expectations, the Governor did not replace the Council Chairmen whose tenure expired on June 17 with Caretaker Committees choosing instead to use bureaucrats at the Council to continue running the Council until he reveals his next steps.

There’s a build-up of tension in the state as the Chairmen of the Councils had threatened not to vacate office in compliance with an amendment of their tenure by a faction of the State House of Assembly, led by Hon Amaewhule for six months.

Supporters of the Governors contested their decision because their tenure is fixed by the constitution and the House of Assembly did not have the power to alter the constitution on the issue of tenure of office.

The different factions have occupied the Council secretariats to determine who will gain the upper hand. Though Tuesday is still a public holiday all the 23 local government secretariats are buzzing with activities and threats of attacks.

Unconfirmed reports said one person may have lost his life in the alternations between the opposing camps in Eleme Local Government.

Meanwhile, in an early morning broadcast to citizens of the state, Governor Sim Fubara called for peace and thanked the outgoing Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councillors of the Council for their services to the various local governments and the state.

His broadcast:
Governor Sim Fubara

“My fellow Rivers people

1. I come before you today with immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support to me and my administration.

2. I urge us all to reflect on the shared sacrifice we have all made to have a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State and Nigeria. I wish we continue to live in peace and harmony as one.

3. Together, we have achieved milestones in different sectors of our economy which include infrastructure, health, education, workers welfare, improved service delivery, agriculture, and social welfare that resonates deeply within our communities.

4. Your dogged and committed support has been the bedrock of progress, and for that, I extend my sincerest thanks.

5. I also wish to acknowledge and commend the dedicated services of the outgoing elected Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, and Councilors who were elected and sworn in three years ago, and whose tenure expired yesterday the 17″ of June, 2024, as provided for by the Law.

6. On behalf of the Government and the people of Rivers State, I thank you all for your sacrifices and commend your commitment to public service and our dear Rivers State.
7. I congratulate you all for the successful completion of your tenure and wish you well in your future endeavours.

8. As we move forward in making sure that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is upheld, and that law and order are maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people, I hereby direct Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to continue to provide leadership in their respective Local Government Areas.

9. Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) are hereby directed to immediately take charge of the Councils with renewed vigour and readiness to serve and await further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.

10. I assure you, my good people of Rivers State that we shall continue to defend you, and provide infrastructural development, sound healthcare delivery, quality education, and undiluted welfare service packages for all our people and workers.

11. Once again, I thank you, my dear good people of Rivers State, for your steadfast support and dedication to our shared vision of unity, progress, and prosperity.

12. Together, we will continue to build a brighter and better future for all.

13. Happy Salah Holiday.

14. God bless Rivers State.

15. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Not all the local government Chairmen are defying the constitution by refusing to vacate their offices. Hon Vincent Nemieboka the outgoing Chairman of Ogu/Bolo LGA handed over at the Ogu Multi-Purpose Hall and issued a statement:

“One of my greatest achievements as a Local Government Chairman is peace and security and I’ll not jeopardize that. The decision of who will be in charge of the council is not made at the LGA level, so why should we fight ourselves and cause unnecessary tension? Ogu/Bolo LGA must remain peaceful”

The former Chairman of Ahoada East, Ben Eke tried to force himself inside the council secretariat but was prevented by the masses of the people around the secretariat.

Some of the local government Chairmen are, however, adamant and determined to slug it out with the supporters of the governor. One of them Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area could be seen holding on with hundreds of his supporters in front of the secretariat wearing what looks like a bullet-proof jacket under his native attire. He called on the President to intervene in the political crisis

Pro-Gov. Sim Fubara’s supporters were seen on a video destroying the Statue of Minister of FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike at the headquarters of Obino/Akpor Local Government Council.

There is a potential threat of a breakdown of law and order in the state. There are allegations that militants have been imported from neighbouring states to foment trouble and throw the state into anarchy.

If a public holiday could be this rowdy and testy, residents are worried that the first day at work tomorrow could throw up more violence in Rivers State raising fears that a state of emergency could be in the offing if the situation gets out of hand on Wednesday.