Former chairmen from 21 of the 23 local government areas in Rivers State decided to throw a public tantrum on Monday.
These ex-council bosses, fiercely loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, took to the streets in their respective council areas despite the state Police Command’s clear warning against such public displays of dissent.
What They Are saying
In Buguma, the headquarters of Asari-Toru LGA, former Chairman Onengiyeofori George led a procession of supporters, all the while dancing to songs praising Wike. Their message was loud and clear, plastered on placards demanding the police continue their occupation of the council headquarters. With slogans like “Sim Fubara Can’t Continue to Act As He Likes” and “There’s No Vacancy in Asari-Toru Council,” their intentions were unmistakable.
As if the situation wasn’t dramatic enough, Channels Television reported that the protest in Asari-Toru nearly descended into chaos. Enter the Amama soldiers, part of Asari Dokubo’s private military company, who attempted to disrupt the protest. Fortunately, the police were on their game and prevented what could have been an ugly clash, ensuring the demonstrators could hand over their protest letter without further incident.
Why It Matters
Meanwhile, over in Abonnema, the Akuku-Toru LGA council headquarters, another group of loyalists staged their own protest. They supported the continued closure of the council premises by the police, echoing the discontent rippling through the region.
This all follows last Tuesday’s police takeover of the 23 LGA council secretariats in Rivers State. The dramatic move came after chaos erupted over the expiration of the three-year tenure of the former chairmen. In the aftermath, three lives were tragically lost, further fueling the already volatile situation in this oil-rich South-South region.
Bottom Line
If ever there was a time for popcorn, this ongoing saga in Rivers State might just be it.
